Overview

• A 22-year-old swimmer vanished Friday evening near Beach 20th Street and Seagirt Avenue during severe thunderstorms.
• NYPD Harbor, Scuba and Aviation Units resumed grid searches on Saturday after weather forced an early halt to initial efforts.
• Locals describe the popular surf zone as treacherous because strong undercurrents can form beneath calm surface conditions.
• If the man is not found, he would be the second drowning at this section of Rockaway Beach this summer, following an April surfer fatality.
• NYC Parks records show lifeguards have conducted 126 beach rescues so far this season and advocates are calling for extended coverage and additional staffing.