Two teenage sisters drowned in the waters off Coney Island on Friday, police said — both had entered the water amid rip current warnings and after lifeguards went off duty.
Police identified them as Zainab Mohammed, 17, and Aisha Mohammed, 18, of the Bronx.
The incident occurred roughly two weeks after another pair of teenagers drowned off the shore of Jacob Riis Park in Queens also amid rip currents.
Police said the sisters entered the water and disappeared from view shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday. Their bodies were later recovered by divers and transferred by EMS workers to the Coney Island Hospital where they were both pronounced dead, police said Saturday.
Gothamist recently spoke with swimming experts and a veteran lifeguard on what New Yorkers should do to stay safe if they’re caught in choppy waters, but the most important warning was not to go in the water if no lifeguards are on duty.
About 13 people have drowned off of Rockaway's beaches in the last 5 years. All but one died when lifeguards were off duty, according to a Gothamist analysis. Lifeguards are typically stationed along the city’s beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Check the parks department website for beach information before you head to the coast. Many city beaches remain off-limits for swimming as the city struggles to bolster the ranks of its lifeguards amid a persistent shortage.
Liam Quigley contributed reporting.
This story has been updated to include the names of the victims.
