17-year-old drowns in dangerous surf at New Hampshire beach

On Sunday evening, around 6:45 p.m., a 17-year-old boy drowned while swimming with family members at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. The tragic incident occurred under high surf conditions, prompting warnings for swimmers to avoid the ocean due to dangerous currents associated with the remnants of Hurricane Erin. Despite lifeguards having left for the day at 5:30 p.m., they quickly returned to the scene upon receiving the distress call at 6:44 p.m. The father of the drowning teenager attempted a rescue but also struggled in the water, necessitating a rescue by the lifeguards. Both the boy and his father were brought back to shore; the lifeguards administered CPR on the teenager, but he was later pronounced dead at an area hospital. Meanwhile, the father was taken to Exeter Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition. Hampton Fire/Rescue Chief Michael McMahon stated that the strong ocean current was not a rip current but stemmed from high surf conditions related to Hurricane Erin. The National Weather Service had issued a high surf advisory, warning about large waves ranging from 4 to 7 feet in height along the coast. Beach officials had previously made 144 rescues a week before the hurricane's arrival as rip currents posed a serious threat at Hampton Beach. This tragedy highlights the importance of swimming only when lifeguards are on duty and the need for beachgoers to be cautious in tumultuous ocean conditions. It was noted that although the drowning incident occurred at low tide—a time typically regarded as more stable—it does not account for the dangers posed by the powerful ocean surf.