Operation Lifesaver leaders concerned about increase in 'subway surfing'

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) is sounding the alarm over a reported increase in so-called "subway surfing" incidents across the United States.

"These dangerous activities not only put lives at risk but also impact families and communities in unimaginable ways. Tracks and trains demand respect and making safe choices around them can make the difference between life and loss," said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh in a press release.

OLI issued its statement after New York City news media reported last week that a subway surfer in New York City lost her arm and leg after she was hit by a train in a Manhattan subway station.

Also, a 13-year-old boy died in October doing a TikTok subway surfing challenge in Queens. And in September, an 11-year-old boy who was subway surfing died after he fell off a train in Brooklyn, according to New York City news media reports.

OLI has resources for all age groups sharing the lifesaving rail safety education message and also offers free rail safety presentations to audiences across the nation. For more information, click here.