NEPONSIT — Three swimmers were rescued Monday in two separate incidents at Riis Park after they went into the water when the beach was closed and lifeguards were off-duty, officials said.
Lifeguards at the beach go off duty at 6 p.m. and swimming is prohibited after-hours, but swimmers often stay in the water.
The first swimmer was rescued at 6:30 p.m. Monday by a U.S. Park Police officer and taken to Staten Island University Hospital North by NYPD helicopter, according to the FDNY and NYPD.
The victim, whose age and sex was not immediately released, was listed in serious condition, according to the FDNY.
At 8 p.m, a Park Police officer again went into the water to rescue two other swimmers caught up in the tide.
One was taken by NYPD chopper to Staten Island University Hospital North in serious condition, and another was taken to Beth Israel Hospital Kings Highway Hospital in serious but stable condition, according to an official.
Their ages and sex were also not released.
A firefighter who assisted in the rescue was taken to St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway with minor injuries.
A riptide alert was in effect at most beaches in New York City and Long Island through Tuesday, with large waves, according to the National Weather Service.
The commanding officer of the 100th Precinct, Craig Adelman, tweeted about the dangers of after-hours swimming after both rescues.
Stay out of the water when lifeguards are not on duty. You are risking your life and the lives of others.
— NYPD 100th Precinct (@NYPD100Pct) August 4, 2015
