WELL known Irish community activist Brendan Fay, 50, was seriously injured last weekend when a strong current pulled him underwater at Fire Island. Fay's injury occurred in a weekend that the Coast Guard says saw an unprecedented spate of drownings and disappearances. "I'm sitting here in a wheelchair at the White Plains medical center," Fay told the Irish Voice. "My leg's not just broken, I have multiple fractures, so it's just shattered, I have steel pins in it. This morning I had classes on how to stand, how to walk. I would never have believed a wave could do so much damage." The deadly rip tides reported off Long Island last weekend overpowered Fay, who had not noticed the strength of the current. Elsewhere choppy waters off New York and Long Island claimed the lives of at least four people as ocean currents and undertows overpowered swimmers. "As soon as we arrive at the Fire Island Pines I always hit the water," said Fay. "This time I was just coming in to the shore when a wave just pulled me under from behind. Then the wave tossed me around like I was in a washing machine. It was like being in a swirl, it completely spun me around. I still have no idea how it managed to do so much damage." The Coast Guard blamed the strong rip tides for all the deaths and disappearances at the weekend, which observers suggest are probably the result of the hurricane activity in Texas. Fay had no sense that the waves were in any way treacherous, however. "I'm careful, I'd have tremendous respect for the water. One of our friends remarked that the surf near the shore was a little strong. It was the surf closest to the shore that pulled me under." The Suffolk County police, who quickly arrived on the scene, told Fay's partner Tom Moulton that the weather at the end of a hurricane often affects the waves on the beaches of New York. Fay was transferred by boat to the mainland where an ambulance was waiting. "I was very conscious of what was happening and I was in agony, I have never experienced pain like it in my entire life," he said.Medical staff at White Plains hospital were amazed that a wave could have done so much damage to Fay's leg. Orthopedic staff that have seen all kinds of fractures had never seen such a comprehensive wound. "My leg now needs a rod, but I feel lucky that it was my leg and not my back or neck. I'm counting my blessings and I would warn others to be extremely careful in the water."