Updated 08/16/2009 02:45 PM
Rockaway Drownings Prompt Renewed Call For Safety
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Parks Department officials are urging beach goers to stay safe as the first heat wave of the summer kicks in.
So far this year, six people have died in Queens beaches including a father in Jacob Riis Beach who was trying to save his 8-year-old daughter.
Swimmers are being reminded to be careful when going out in the water.
"The ocean is a powerful and unpredictable force of nature and you have to respect it and you have to understand that it changes during the course of the day," said First Deputy Parks Commissioner Liam Kavanagh.
"If I had kids on the beach and they were young, and I was taking them into the water, I wouldn't let go of them," said one Rockaway Beach resident.
Officials urge swimmers to not enter the water without a lifeguard present. They say it's best to go in the water with a buddy and make sure to always keep an eye on children.