"A 10-year-old girl was lost in the choppy waters off Coney Island Saturday even as her young cousin narrowly escaped the same tragic fate, authorities said. The girl was one of seven presumed drownings in rough surf at beaches across the city and Long Island in the past two days." [NYDN]

Yes, summer recreation is important, but be careful! There are some serious rip tides out there. "Four swimmers drowned and three were missing Saturday in two days of treacherous ocean currents at Long Island and New York City beaches, authorities said. At least three more had been rescued. The missing included a 10-year-old girl who had been playing in the waters off Coney Island. A 10-year-old boy who was with her was rescued, police said. Some authorities said the spate of swimmers being swept away seemed unprecedented. In the Long Island community of Long Beach, where two people drowned and another disappeared, Police Lt. Bruce Meyer said he 'cannot recall there ever being back-to-back situations like this.'" Update: Now it's five dead.

This went up yesterday, and it's still live, so your summer could be made! "So here's the deal... I'm usually in the Hamptons with my girlfriend at my folks house, not far from the town of West Hampton. However, luck would have it that my folks are going away for a week and we're at the house alone. We like to mix it up and have fun with another guy, keeps our relationship interesting and fresh. She's only into guys but knows I like getting it on with another guy while she either watches or gets involved. So what I'm offering is this... if you're looking to get away from the madness of your share house this weekend and looking to stay with us for a couple of nights, let me know how willing you are to please us... sexually. If we think it matches with our style, we'll expect you this evening. Here's a picture of me for starters..."

They get a little closer every day! Just yesterday one of the meat-crazed super-fish was defeated by a crew of life guards after it snuck up on some swimmers at Jones Beach. That's a real beach! Not some silly, pissy Hamptons beach where you deserve to be chomped into chum!

I keep telling you people-the sharks are coming. It was one thing when the super-predators were feasting on people on the West Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico, but now they are right here! "Three possible shark sightings have been reported near Martha's Vineyard, Mass., where the 1975 beach thriller blockbuster movie 'Jaws' was filmed. The Boston Herald said a lifeguard spotted a large shark swimming through the waves off South Beach Wednesday. The shark was also reportedly seen from overhead by a sightseeing plane and was reported by an anonymous caller from Joseph Sylvia Beach."

I keep trying to tell you people: The sharks are everywhere and they crave human meat! But does anyone listen? "A shark injured a 49-year-old American surfer Saturday off the Pacific coast of Mexico, in the third attack in a month. The Mexican Navy deployed personnel to warn people about sharks at beaches in Zihuatanejo, a resort northwest of Acapulco, according to a Navy official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information. He said authorities have not closed beaches in Zihuatanejo, but people were being advised against swimming." No big deal, you say? Well guess what happened on Friday?

Summer at last! So what songs does this glorious time of year bring to mind? You know, music appropriate for beach parties, pool parties, long drives in convertibles, non-ironic rooftop barbecues, or just fooling around with some cutie under the cool comforting whir of your trusty air conditioner? My video pick's after the jump. What's yours?

Cosmopolitan-which is a women's magazine-set some kind of record for the largest U.S. bikini shoot. Details? Nope. Since the mag's lame website is totally crippled by ads for some crap Hugh Jackman movie. Fortunately, another site is hosting the pics, some of which follow.

"California authorities have closed 17 miles of San Diego County beach as they search for a great white shark they believe attacked and killed a man training for a triathlon Friday morning."

What's a girl to do when the only headlines she's making involve DUIs and smoking the reefer? Why, pose for highly styled, candid-ish bikini shoot with the photo agency widely known for setting up highly styled, candid-ish bikini shoots of course! Mischa Barton put on her designer bikini best, got her hair did and brought along props like books and hats to the beach yesterday to act her way through a series of paparazzi shots, in an attempt to prove to the world that she can read (!) and pick her own wedgies (!).