BERLIN, Md. — An 18-year-old male swimmer tragically died Thursday afternoon after being pulled unconscious from the water near the southern end of the Chincoteague Beach parking lot at Assateague Island National Seashore, officials reported. The incident occurred around 4:15 p.m., when lifeguards were alerted that two swimmers were struggling approximately 150 yards south of the designated lifeguarded area. Lifeguards and emergency responders quickly reached the scene, managing to rescue one swimmer safely. The other swimmer was found unresponsive and brought to shore, where CPR was immediately administered. Despite efforts, the young man was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital.
The response involved multiple agencies, including on-duty lifeguards, park law enforcement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and contracted staff from both Maryland and Virginia jurisdictions.
Officials emphasized the dangers of swimming beyond the lifeguarded zone and urged beachgoers to remain close to shore while staying alert to changing wind and current conditions that can rapidly carry swimmers into hazardous areas.
