BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON, ASSEMBLY MEMBER DAIS, AND COUNCIL MEMBER STEVENS CALL FOR ADDITIONAL ACTION TO PROTECT RESIDENTS AT CITY BEACHES

"Our borough is mourning the tragic loss of sisters, 17-year-old Zainab and 18-year-old Aisha Mohammed after they were reported as missing in the waters off Coney Island Beach, hours after the lifeguards had ended their shift. As the city paused for the holiday weekend, this family was left to piece together the unimaginable loss of these two young women who had so much promise and potential. This heartbreaking loss is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safeguarding our youth. We must come together as a community to support one another during this time of immense grief."

"Sadly, this news came weeks after another set of teens drowned in the waters off Jacob Riis Park beach in Queens when there were no lifeguards on duty. These incidents are incredibly heartbreaking but are also preventable. We are adding our collective voices to those elected officials who are calling on the Administration to prioritize extending the hours of our lifeguards past 6 pm, extending beach hours, particularly during heatwaves, invest in free swimming classes in our communities, and more education and outreach to New Yorkers on the dangers of swimming. Black and brown communities face significant disparities in swimming skills and water safety education. It is imperative that we address these disparities. We must prevent such senseless tragedies in the future and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe."

"Let us continue to keep these families in our hearts and prayers in the coming days and weeks, and we are asking our residents to join us in calling for changes to be made to keep New Yorkers safe at our local beaches."