06/23/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Tara Monks // Tara Monks
Long Beach, NY – A middle school student drowned Tuesday, June 22, 2010, during a class field trip to a beach with strong currents and no lifeguards, as reported by The Journal News.
Nicole Suriel, 12, was a student at the Columbia Secondary School in Manhattan. She was found at approximately 1:30 p.m., an hour and a half after she was reported missing.
Long Beach City Manager Charles Theofan said the beach does not officially open for weekday visitors until after this coming weekend, which was why there were no guards on duty for the field trip. He also said signs are posted at the entrances to the beach warning people not to swim when the beach is unprotected.
New York City officials reported that the children were awarded the beach trip after they won a fundraising competition. Approximately 24 students were accompanied by two teachers and an intern, according to a spokeswoman. The ratio falls into Department of Education guidelines.
Needless to say, parents are angry with the situation and are claiming poor supervision. Students reported the current was extremely strong.
A teacher who attempted to save the girl was injured when waves tossed her into a jetty, according to Theofan.
Theofan also stated that Long Beach has had stronger-than-usual rip currents for the past several years. He reported that this drowning is the second in the area this year.
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