Police: Swimmer reported missing in waters at Robert Moses State Park called authorities to say he was safe
A couple out along the Atlantic Ocean at Robert Moses State Park Field 5 on Sunday. Credit: Newsday/Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
The swimmer whose reported disappearance Saturday led to an hourslong search involving local, state and national agencies was not in the water for long, according to police.
"He was only in the water for a short period of time, going for a swim," state Trooper Brittany Burton told Newsday on Sunday.
The search was triggered by a 911 call around 2:30 p.m. Saturday of a white man in dark shorts who did not reappear after he was seen going into the water in the Field 3 area of Robert Moses State Park during a nor'easter, she said.
Burton said the man contacted state park police Sunday after seeing media reports about the search and realizing he might have been the one they were looking for. Police alerted the media of the man's status shortly before 10 a.m.
She said she could not comment on whether the man was embarrassed.
"We take all calls very seriously, just because you never know," she said, adding: "New York State Park Police were able to determine it was him by asking him a series of questions that identified him as the swimmer."
The state park police, the West Islip Fire Department, Babylon Public Safety Department and the U.S. Coast Guard were part of the search effort, which was suspended overnight when it became too dark.
Swimming is prohibited at the park in the offseason.
"Our message to the public is to plan ahead and take inclement weather seriously," Burton added.
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