The heat is on - and so is the lifeguard warning
The warning comes just days after five people were caught in a rip current after lifeguards had gone off duty at Robert Moses State Park.
As the heat wave sends more people to Long Island’s beaches and pools, lifeguards are reminding swimmers that the safest time to enter the water is while they are on duty.
The warning comes just days after five people were caught in a rip current after lifeguards had gone off duty at Robert Moses State Park. Three off-duty lifeguards rushed into the water and rescued the swimmers.
Lifeguards say anyone caught in a rip current should remain calm and swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the fast-moving channel of water.
Officials say rip currents can pull swimmers away from shore in seconds. Robert Moses Field 3 Captain Josh Friedman, who has nearly four decades of experience as a lifeguard, said even strong swimmers can quickly find themselves in danger.
To help residents safely cool off during the extreme heat, the Town of Huntington extended pool hours until 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday while keeping lifeguards and an EMT on duty.
Lifeguard Matthew Blair said the additional staffing allows families to enjoy the water safely during the prolonged heat.
Parents welcomed the extended hours, saying it gives children more opportunities to stay active outdoors while remaining under the watch of trained lifeguards.
Officials continue to urge anyone planning to swim at beaches or pools to do so only during guarded hours, when trained lifeguards are present to respond in an emergency.
