A 15-year-old boy died and several other victims were taken to hospitals after six people were pulled from the sea on an unguarded New Jersey beach over the weekend, authorities said.
Authorities said it happened around 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Sandy Hook in the Gateway National Recreation Area. Daphne Yun, a spokeswoman for the National Park Service, said the six were swimming at Beach B, which has no lifeguards.
Sandy Hook lifeguards responded from other nearby beaches. Lifeguards from nearby Sea Bright and Highlands joined them in pulling the six victims out of the water.
The boy and two other victims were taken to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, where he was pronounced dead. Two victims were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township. One person refused medical treatment, Yun said. There was no immediate word on the condition of the surviving victims.
Yun said Beach B is the first beach encountered by visitors entering the park, even though signs indicate there are no lifeguards on duty, Yun said. Beaches C, D and G had lifeguards on duty over Memorial Day weekend, he said.
Asbury Park Press reports At least 28 people drowned last year in New Jersey's natural waters, which include rivers, lakes and the ocean, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Health.
