A 14-year-old Philadelphia boy went missing in the water off Ocean City, New Jersey last week. Corinthian Hammond and a group of friends were swimming near the Music Pier about 7:00 p.m. Sunday when they were pulled further out into the ocean by a rip current. Authorities saved 14 people -- those friends who had been swimming and those Good Samaritans who jumped in the water to help -- after regular lifeguard duty hours.
The loss was particularly hard for the Ocean City Beach Patrol as the search was called off the day after the boy went missing. The loss of the young boy is not directly related to the OCBP's announcement this past weekend that they are extending summer lifeguard hours.
"We are in the life-saving business and it's very disappointing when we see somebody get hurt," said OCBP Chief Thomas Mullineaux.
Starting Monday, the Ocean City Beach Patrol will expand its OCBP After Hours program. From now until Labor Day, lifeguards will be on duty at the 8th Street, 9th Street, & 12th Street beaches until 8:00 p.m. every night of the week.
A Rapid Response Team will be stationed at 12th St. Beach Patrol Headquarters.
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The after hours operation will operate as a lifesaving unit after normal hours and Central Communications will alert the Rapid Response Team when 911 calls for water rescues come in.
The Ocean City Beach Patrol strongly urges that swimming only takes place at guarded beaches.
Police believe that a body found in the water last week was that of the missing teen. Autopsy results are pending.
