NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says two kayakers had to be rescued after they capsized and were floundering in New York Harbor in water whipped into a frenzy by the oncoming Hurricane Irene.

Bloomberg says police officers responding to a 911 call about 7 p.m. Saturday pulled the two people out safely.

The mayor called the decision of the kayakers to go out in waves churned up by the storm "reckless."

He says their actions diverted badly needed police resources and put first responders at risk.

Police say the men are both from Staten Island and are ages 34 and 35. Their names were not released. They were given summonses.

Police say the kayakers were in the water near Mayberry Promenade, off the southeast end of Staten Island.