Man dies trying to rescue swimmers at Scarborough North State Beach

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said a man died trying to rescue two swimmers on Tuesday evening.

The department said two young people were pulled far into the water at Scarborough North State Beach after one went in after the other.

Officials said a 38-year-old man went in trying to save them.

The two young people were rescued at the beach and taken to South County Hospital. They are expected to be OK.

The man was pulled from the water with a rescue boat, authorities said. CPR was administered on him at the beach but he later died at South County Hospital. His name was not released.

“If you are an untrained person, the best thing to do is to be a good witness,” said Sgt. Harold Guise with the DEM. “Pay attention to where that person is, especially if they go underwater, so when the rescuers get there on scene, you can point out where they went under and it gives us the best chance of saving that person.”

Officials said the beach was closed when the rescue happened, emphasizing that there were no lifeguards on duty at the time.

A single red flag was posted at some Rhode Island beaches including Scarborough North and South, indicating high surf and waist-deep restrictions.