CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – A top state official on Thursday recommended not changing lifeguard schedules but suggested posting information on potentially hazardous conditions at Hampton Beach, following the deaths of two Massachusetts men on July 4, shortly after lifeguards went off duty for the day.

Sean O’Kane, resources and economic development commissioner, issued his recommendations after reviewing safety procedures at Hampton Beach.

Carlos Reyes, 35, of Marlboro, Mass., and Alex Tapia, 26, of Worcester, Mass., died while rescuing Reyes’ stepson, who had been swept away by a strong current. Others joined them in the rescue and soon a dozen people were stuck in the dangerous water. Rescuers saved 10 people, but Reyes and Tapia were pulled unconscious from the water and pronounced dead.

Questions persisted aferward about why lifeguards were not assigned to extra duty during one of the busiest beach days of the year – particularly when they had been warning swimmers all day to stay away from areas with dangerously strong rip currents – and why signs weren’t posted to indicate dangerous water when lifeguards went off duty at 5:45 p.m.

After reviewing procedures at the state park, O’Kane said lifeguard hours will remain the same. Managers can use their discretion for overtime to accommodate crowd sizes and conditions, he said.

A central messaging area will be created in the Seashell complex with daily updates on ocean conditions, lifeguard hours and other announcements, he said. A park host will be available to answer questions and to provide additional handouts.

O’Kane said a new beach safety publication will be created with information about weather, ocean conditions and other safety tips. The material will be on the state park Web site and to the public.

Posters on riptides will be posted at the beach where the public congregates, such as the meter patrol office, bathrooms, main access points along the sidewalk and stairwells. Posters will be available in English, French and Spanish.

Lifeguard hours will be posted throughout the main beach area.

O’Kane said lifeguards also will provide training for municipal safety personnel, which include information on ocean conditions and beach safety procedures.

O’Kane said the state is considering including a tow sled for personal watercraft in the equipment available to lifeguards.

The sled could be used to help during rescues. He said the sled would be available before the start of the 2006 season.

O’Kane also recommended installing a safety warning flag system by next year that is consistent with one used by the U.S. Coast Guard. The flags would warn beach goers of changing conditions and possible hazards present at the main beach or in the water.