Another drowning accident in Long Island puts New York on track for a records summer of fatalities. A sunny day at the beach turned tragic late last month when 48-year old Kerry Agosto slipped beneath the waves unnoticed and never surfaced again. Agosto had been spotted swimming by eye witnesses at Mastic Beach on Long Island but was later found floating lifelessly at the water’s edge. When other swimmers saw his body bobbing in the surf, beachgoers attempted to rescue Agosto, pulling him from the water and performing CPR until rescue crews arrived. EMTs rushed Agosto to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Center but he was declared dead on arrival.
The beach is a popular spot for recreational swimmers. Located inside Smith Point Park, it is considered a relatively safe place to swim by the locals. However, anytime water is involved in recreational activities there’s danger. Even strong swimmers can drown in just seconds when the conditions are right and weak swimmers can fall victim to mere inches of water.
This latest drowning accident in New York brings the number of water related fatalities this summer to three. Earlier last month a woman and a child died in separate swimming pool accidents in Long Island. If this rate keeps up throughout the summer, it may be a record years for water related fatalities in New York.
Officials urge individuals to be smart around water. Never mix alcohol and watersports (especially boating) and always wear or have the appropriate safety gear readily available. Obey all posted warning signs at public beaches, pools, and spas. Never leave children unattended for any length of time. Consider taking swimming lessons (even adults can benefit from formal instruction).
If you have lost a loved one to a drowning accident in New York and you feel someone else actions or inactions may be responsible for your loss, contact a New York City drowning accident attorney today to discuss the legal options available to you. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.