Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYPD: 2 teenage sisters drown off Coney Island amid rip current warnings
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jul 6, 2024
Modified Jul 6, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jul 6, 2024
Modified Jul 6, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Two teenage sisters drowned in the waters off Coney Island on Friday, police said — both had entered the water amid rip current warnings and after lifeguards went off duty.
Police identified them as Zainab Mohammed, 17, and Aisha Mohammed, 18, of the Bronx.
The incident occurred roughly two weeks after another pair of teenagers drowned off the shore of Jacob Riis Park in Queens also amid rip currents.
Police said the sisters entered the water and disappeared from view shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday. Their bodies were later recovered by divers and transferred by EMS workers to the Coney Island Hospital where they were both pronounced dead, police said Saturday.
Gothamist recently spoke with swimming experts and a veteran lifeguard on what New Yorkers should do to stay safe if they’re caught in choppy waters, but the most important warning was not to go in the water if no lifeguards are on duty.
About 13 people have drowned off of Rockaway's beaches in the last 5 years. All but one died when lifeguards were off duty, according to a Gothamist analysis. Lifeguards are typically stationed along the city’s beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Check the parks department website for beach information before you head to the coast. Many city beaches remain off-limits for swimming as the city struggles to bolster the ranks of its lifeguards amid a persistent shortage.
Liam Quigley contributed reporting.
This story has been updated to include the names of the victims.
Tagged
public safety
coney island
brooklyn
beaches
nypd
drowning
queens
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. ET
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
News
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .