Teen drowns while swimming off assateague island beach, officials say

Teen drowns while swimming off Assateague Island beach, officials say

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1 min read
July 26, 2025

BERLIN, MD — An 18-year-old male died Thursday afternoon after being pulled from the waters near the southern end of the Chincoteague Beach Parking Lot at Assateague Island National Seashore, according to park officials.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., a relative alerted lifeguards that two swimmers were struggling offshore. Lifeguards responded immediately, rescuing one swimmer safely. The second swimmer was found unresponsive in the water. CPR was initiated at the scene before the victim was transported by ambulance, where he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The incident occurred about 150 yards south of the lifeguarded zone, but on-duty lifeguards, along with park law enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers, contracted lifeguards, and Virginia state personnel, responded to the emergency.

“Two swimmers were struggling in the water, well offshore,” the report stated.

The name of the deceased has not been released, and no further details were immediately available.

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