A teenager drowned while swimming with his family at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, officials said. The 17-year-old died after he and his father, 61, were pulled from the water when they were swept away Sunday evening by a powerful ocean current, according to authorities.
According to New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, authorities received a report of a possible drowning around 6:45 p.m. Witnesses said the teen had been swimming with his family when a strong current carried him away from shore.
The father reportedly entered the water in an attempt to rescue his son but also found himself in distress.
Beach Visitors Risk 'Arrest' For Swimming Without Lifeguard Following Tragic Incident
Although lifeguards were off-duty at the time, they were called back and quickly responded. They managed to bring both individuals to shore and immediately began lifesaving measures on the teen.
The father and son were transported to a local hospital, where the teen was later pronounced dead. His father was treated and is in stable condition. Authorities have not yet released the teen’s name.
Marine Patrol is continuing its investigation and is asking anyone with information to contact Sgt. Nicholas Haroutunian at [email protected] or call (603) 227-2112.
Deadly Rip Current Fatalities Reported Amid Summer Beach Season As Experts Weigh In
Due to the hazardous water conditions and the recent rescue, New Hampshire State Beach Patrol Chief Patrick Murphy told Fox News Digital that the agency is currently still flying red flags with restricted swimming to waist depth.
"The public is asked to swim only when lifeguards are on duty and at the beaches that have coverage," Murphy added.
The tragedy comes during a particularly dangerous stretch at Hampton Beach. Last week alone, lifeguards rescued more than 140 people from rip currents fueled by Tropical Depression Dexter, according to WMUR.
Rip Current Beach Rescues Show Swimmers Face Deadly Risks: What To Know To Stay Safe
"A lot of the sand in those flash rip currents really kicked out, especially around high tide, which we normally don’t see here," Murphy told the outlet. "On some days, we’ve had 40 to 60 rescues, but more than 140 in a week is unusual."
Officials added that the number of rescues that can occur in a day when there are rip currents can be unpredictable, noting they've had between 40 to 60 in one day, but more than 140 isn't that typical.
According to the United States Lifesaving Association, over 100 deaths occur every year stemming from rip currents, making it a water safety hazard for beachgoers. Tens of thousands of people are rescued from rip currents annually, according to Noaa.
The beachgoers were rescued from rip currents and rough ocean conditions that were left behind by Hurricane Erin and Tropical Storm Dexter.
Lifeguards emphasized that the best way to survive a rip current is to remain calm and avoid fighting against it.
"The best bet is to swim parallel to shore," Murphy said. "Do not try to go directly back to shore. You're going to be fighting the current. You're going to get tired."
Fox News Digital's Adam Sabes and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Original article source: Teen drowns in strong currents while swimming with family at popular beach destination
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