An 18-year-old swimmer, Crescencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez, tragically died at Assateague Island National Seashore after struggling in the water outside the lifeguarded zone. Despite immediate CPR and hospital efforts, he was pronounced dead. The incident highlights the risks posed by the absence of lifeguards on the Maryland side of the island, where budget cuts and staffing shortages have left many lifeguard positions unfilled.

Maryland leaders, including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, have urged the Trump administration to restore lifeguard staffing at Assateague Island, emphasizing that drownings can happen quickly and that current safety measures are insufficient. The National Park Service acknowledged the nationwide lifeguard shortage, while officials recommend swimmers take precautions such as swimming with a buddy, supervising children, and checking for rip current advisories to enhance safety at the beach known for strong currents.