Let’s start with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. NYC Parks posts “No Swimming” flags along the beach’s shoreline when the beaches are closed, and the Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) is responsible for enforcing the no-swimming rule to keep the public safe. Some will defend NYC Parks and PEP, saying that it’s impossible to provide the manpower needed to enforce the closed beaches after hours, etc. People need to understand the dangers of the ocean, respect those dangers, and obey the signage if it says the beaches are closed. Does Parks bear the responsibility for these drownings, or do people need to take accountability for their actions?