SANDY HOOK, N.J. − A 15-year-old boy died Sunday and five others were rescued from the surf at the Gateway National Recreation Area in New Jersey, a spokeswoman for the National Park Service said.
The six people were swimming at Sandy Hook B Beach, an unguarded beach, on Sunday afternoon, said park service spokesperson Daphne Yun.
One of the six swimmers refused medical treatment, while the others were transferred to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch and Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, she said.
The identity of the boy who died was not released. The conditions of the other swimmers was not immediately available.
In 2021, a 17-year-old boy drowned off the coast of the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook, according to the Asbury Park Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. Yun said at the time one teen was pronounced dead at the scene and two other 17-year-olds, a male and female, were hospitalized.
In 2022, at least 28 people drowned in natural waters in New Jersey, which include rivers, lakes and the ocean, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Health.
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers Brick, Barnegat and Lacey townships as well as the environment. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP or aoglesby@gannettnj.com.
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