Tragic Drowning of Sebastián Rogers Sparks Urgent Safety Calls at Jacob Riis Park
- Sebastián Lasaosa Rogers, a filmmaker, drowned at Jacob Riis Park, highlighting urgent safety concerns with the wooden jetties.
- Witnesses reported Rogers' tragic entanglement with the jetties, which have been a known hazard for over 70 years.
- His death has intensified community demands for immediate action to remove the jetties and improve safety measures.
Tragic Incident Highlights Urgent Safety Concerns at Jacob Riis Park
The recent drowning of Sebastián Lasaosa Rogers, a 35-year-old award-winning filmmaker, at Jacob Riis Park in Queens has underscored a pressing safety issue related to the park's aging wooden jetties. Rogers tragically lost his life while surfing on April 12, entangled in the dilapidated structures, which have been a longstanding concern for local residents and beachgoers. Witnesses reported that his surfboard was "tombstoning" in the water, and despite attempts to revive him, Rogers was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident not only marks a profound loss for the community but also brings attention to the hazardous conditions that have been exacerbated by the presence of these jetties.
For over 70 years, these wooden jetties have posed significant dangers, especially during high tide when they are often submerged. Local residents have voiced their frustrations, citing that the jetties are a known hazard that have contributed to multiple drownings over the past two years, particularly when lifeguards are not on duty. Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola highlights the urgency of the situation, arguing that “we should not have to wait for a disaster to strike before changes are made.” The community's calls for action have been met with delays from the National Park Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who cite a need for further studies before any intervention can occur. This bureaucratic inertia has left residents feeling helpless in the face of a preventable tragedy.
The erosion of the beach at Bay 1, a favored spot for queer sunbathers, has further intensified the dangers posed by the jetties. Local advocates argue that these structures contribute to unsafe conditions, and the tragic death of Rogers has galvanized the community to demand immediate federal action. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of beachgoers at this federally-owned park. The community is united in its call for the removal of the jetties and for improved safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
In light of this tragic incident, the calls for urgent action are more pronounced than ever. Local residents and officials are advocating for a thorough assessment of safety conditions at Jacob Riis Park and for the removal of the jetties that pose significant hazards. The community's plea for intervention reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again, emphasizing the need for federal agencies to prioritize the safety of all who visit the park.