QUEENS (VINnews) – Neighbors had repeatedly warned three young men not to walk on the ice in Jamaica Bay, but the warnings went unheeded, authorities said, prompting a major emergency response Friday afternoon when the group fell through the frozen water in Far Rockaway, Queens.

The three 22-year-olds fell through the ice just after 4 p.m. near Norton Drive and Bayswater Avenue. Water temperature at the time was approximately 36 degrees.

Officers from the NYPD’s 101st Precinct, Special Operations Division and FDNY units responded. Scuba teams entered the water while an NYPD helicopter hovered above to assist.

All three were pulled from the bay and taken to shore, where EMS transported two to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital and the third to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. All were reported in stable condition.

Neighbors who spoke to ABC-TV said they had repeatedly warned the men in recent days not to venture onto the ice. Witnesses said the group had walked about the length of a football field before the ice gave way.

Authorities continue to caution residents about the dangers of walking on frozen waterways, especially as temperatures fluctuate.

Earlier this evening, members of our Scuba Team, Aviation Unit, Emergency Service Unit, and the @FDNY rescued three individuals from frozen waters in Far Rockaway.

No matter the conditions, our officers are always ready to answer the call. pic.twitter.com/kA42EU2srT

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) February 6, 2026