NYPD searches for 2 teens suspected of drowning at Jacob Riis Park

Police were still searching Saturday for two teenagers who disappeared in the waters of Jacob Riis Park in Queens Friday night, amid an oppressive heat wave that was expected to last through the weekend.

The boys, ages 16 and 17, who authorities have not publicly identified, appeared to struggle in the water before falling out of sight of witnesses around 6:30 p.m. Friday, police said.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Operations Kaz Daughtry said officials were investigating whether a rip current swept the teens away.

“When officers arrived, they were greeted by many beachgoers who said there was a wave that had come in,” Daughtry told reporters at the beach Friday. “The teenagers tried to jump to cut the wave. The wave was extremely high, it passed over them and sucked them in.

The incident occurred shortly after lifeguards left duty at 6 p.m. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards told Gothamist on Saturday that those hours should be extended on hot days.

“The lifeguard should be present until 7 p.m. at a minimum, especially during heat waves,” Richards said. “Think about it, you know, it’s lighter outside, people are going to stay, stay on the beach.”

Richards also said the incident was a stark reminder that the city needs to do more to teach people the basics of water safety.

“Don’t go in the water without lifeguards,” he said. “It could be a 30-second PSA, but during the summer it needs to be broadcast continuously. It should be taught to everyone who goes to the beach.”

As of 3 p.m. Saturday, the New York Police Department said its boats, helicopters and drone units were still searching for the teens.

On Saturday evening, the US Coast Guard announced that they were suspending their search for the missing young people.

Brigid Bergin contributed reporting.