News Release

Swimmer death at Assateague Island National Seashore

Date: July 26, 2025
Contact: Hugh Hawthorne, 410-629-6080

Berlin, MD – An 18-year-old male at Assateague Island National Seashore has died while swimming near the Southern End of the Chincoteague Beach Parking Lot. At 4:15 pm on July 24, a relative ran down the beach and told the lifeguards that two swimmers were struggling in the water, well offshore. One was successfully rescued, the other was pulled from the water, unconscious, unresponsive, at which point CPR was immediately begun. The 18-year-old male was then transported via ambulance and pronounced deceased upon arrival at hospital.

Although the area of the incident is 150 yards south of the lifeguarded zone of the seashore, on duty lifeguards responded quickly and assisted with the search. Park law enforcement assisted with the effort alongside U.S. Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement, contracted lifeguards, and the State of Virginia. We are thankful for our local partners who assisted in the search effort and work hard every day.

We ask our visitors to never venture too far from shore and pay attention to wind and currents which can transport you long distances quickly.

Learn more about how to plan for a visit on our website: Beach and Surf Safety - Assateague Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)