Tragedy Strikes as Grandmother’s Request for Extra Beach Time in NYC Leads to Fatal Incident

On August 11, 2023, a tragic incident occurred at Manhattan Beach Park in Brooklyn involving a 77-year-old visitor from Russia. Liudmila Marchenko, who was in the United States to celebrate her daughter’s birthday, had been enjoying a day at the beach when she called her daughter just minutes before the accident. During the phone conversation, she expressed her enjoyment of the pleasant weather and requested an additional hour to remain by the water.

Shortly after their conversation, Marchenko was discovered floating face down in the ocean by fellow swimmers, just as lifeguards were concluding their shifts for the day. The Parks Department reported that the time of the drowning was approximately 6:01 p.m. However, lifeguards were officially off duty by this time, making response efforts more complicated. Park Enforcement Patrol officers alerted the lifeguards to Marchenko’s condition at around 6:15 p.m.

Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, initiating CPR on Marchenko before transporting her to Coney Island Hospital. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead shortly after 7 p.m. The situation has raised awareness regarding beach safety, particularly concerning swimming after lifeguard hours.

Marchenko, a retired accountant from Kemerovo, Russia, had arrived in the U.S. on July 15 to spend time with her family. Her daughter, Natalia Sapunkova, shared fond memories of her mother, highlighting her vibrant personality and her deep appreciation for family gatherings. During her visit, Marchenko made notable memories, including a trip to Washington D.C. to see landmarks like the National Gallery and the Washington Monument.

Despite experiencing the local culture, her favorite activity was undoubtedly spending time at Manhattan Beach. Sapunkova recounted how her mother cherished the beach experience, describing how she could spend hours enjoying the water, something that was not easily accessible where they lived in Siberia.

As the family copes with the loss of Marchenko, they hope that her story serves as a precautionary lesson for others about the risks associated with swimming after lifeguards are no longer on duty. Sapunkova emphasized the importance of safety and personal responsibility when it comes to enjoying water activities.

This incident emphasizes the necessity for awareness among beachgoers, especially regarding the operational hours of lifeguards. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety in all outdoor aquatic environments.