Town calls for change after couple dies during riptide at Seabrook, NH beach

SEABROOK, N.H. — Officials in New Hampshire are looking into a new safety measure after two people were killed and several others were rescued in Seabrook over the weekend.

According to police, several people were overtaken by rip currents on a Sunday afternoon where waves were bigger than usual. And a couple from Methuen didn't make it out -- with no lifeguards to rescue them.

"Those poor people were only waist deep," said beach goer, Kristen Hansen.

Following the incident, the town of Seabrook is doing a full investigation into what happened.

"We are going to have the police and fire [department] write us a report and talk about what resources they think may be helpful in the future," said Bill Manzi, Seabrook's town manager. "I think the potential for stationing some equipment on the beach would be one of the items we review."

In addition to signs that show there are no lifeguards on the beach, the town is looking into other ideas like putting safety equipment on the beach so a Good Samaritan could at least help if someone is in trouble.

The board of selectmen will hear from Seabrook PD and Fire in the coming weeks about possible recommendations. People who go to the beach regularly hope something is done that can help prevent these tragedies.

"Even informational signs on how to get out of a riptide," suggests Alexa Jelley, a visitor from Westford. "I don't know. I certainly don't know what the answer is, but I know it is scary."

MORE: Mass. DPH raises West Nile risk to moderate for every community in the state

Cox Media Group