Orlando/ Crime & Emergencies
AI Assisted Icon
Published on October 03, 2024
Longwood Senior Citizen Dies After Being Caught in Rip Current Near Daytona Beach ShoresSource: Google Street View

An 86-year-old man from Longwood tragically lost his life on Thursday after an incident at Daytona Beach Shores. The Volusia County Beach Safety reported that the man was swimming in unguarded waters when he was swept away by a rip current shortly after noon, according to ClickOrlando.

The beach patrol had spotted two individuals in distress near the 3500 block of Daytona Beach Shores. Lifeguards responded to the scene and brought both swimmers back to shore. The Longwood man was unresponsive upon rescue, and despite life-saving efforts, he was later proclaimed dead at a hospital.

Rip currents have been the cause of numerous swimmer fatalities and accidents along coastlines. Recognizable by their distinct characteristics, such as a gap of darker, calmer water between whitecaps, a channel of choppy water, or a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving seaward, these narrow, powerful bands of water can prove deadly for even the most experienced swimmers.

Volusia Beach Patrol emphasizes the importance of caution when dealing with these phenomena. "It is important to note that rip currents do not drag you under water, they pull you away from the beach," as detailed by WFTV. To escape a rip current, the patrol advises swimmers to remain calm, swim parallel to the beach, and, if unable to swim out, tread water and signal for help by waving arms and yelling toward the shore.

The incident has prompted local authorities to underscore the necessity of obeying beach warnings and consulting with lifeguards about swimming conditions. The investigation into the drowning is ongoing, with the hope that lessons learned from this tragedy can prevent future losses due to the unforgiving nature of the sea.