A couple who were on vacation with their six children at a beach in Florida died on Thursday afternoon while swimming in the ocean, as their horrified kids looked on.
The family of eight had gone to Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island off Florida’s southeastern coast when both parents and two of their teenage children were caught in a rip current while swimming, according to first responders .
The two teens were able to break free of the current but their parents, named as Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishard, 48, could not, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said.
"The kids were able to break the current and attempted to help their parents, but it became too dangerous and they were forced to swim ashore," the agency wrote on Facebook.
Martin County Ocean Rescue lifeguards found the couple and attempted CPR on the beach. Martin County Fire Rescue paramedics then transported the couple to Cleveland Clinic North.
READ MORE: Boy, 4, found safe after spending night alone in bear populated wilderness
"Those life-saving efforts continued in the ambulance and at the hospital where doctors gave it every last effort before declaring the couple deceased," the Sheriff’s Office said.
Warnings about the rip current had been posted earlier that day with the Martin County Fire Rescue warning that red flags were flying at Jensen Beach, Stuart Beach and the Hobe Sound in a post on Facebook.
"Happy Thursday! The surf is 4-6 ft and there is a light drift heading north, so be aware if you chose(sic) to go in the ocean," the post read. "The water temp is 77 degrees and there’s a(sic) ESE wind blowing about 15-20 mph. We suggest strong swimmers only because rip currents are expected. If you plan on heading to the beach, please visit one of our guarded beaches."
Join the Mirror's SMS news service to get the biggest breaking stories delivered straight to your phone. Click here to subscribe.
The 911 call to the tragic incident at Stuart Beach came just two hours after the most was published, according to the fire service. The Facebook page for visitors to Hutchinson Island posted about the horrific incident last night, and reiterated warnings about rip tides, offering the following advice to those wishing to swim in the area:
1. If the flag at the beach is red, do not go in the water.
2. Watch the water before jumping in, even on green flag days.
3. Don't enter the water where waves aren't breaking.
4. Always watch the water as rip currents shift.
5. If you get caught in a rip current, do not panic and try to fight it. Float, wave for help and/or swim parallel to the shore.
"These signs are posted at every single beach guarded and unguarded. Please, if you’re visiting go to guarded beach first. Read these signs. If you’re not sure have a lifeguard show you what to look for when spotting rip currents," the post reads.
Members of the Sheriff’s office Crisis Intervention Team had been helping the couple’s six children as they awaited other family members to arrive in Florida.
Most Popular
Comments / 0