Pennsylvania couple drowns in Florida rip current while on vacation with their 6 children

[FakeNoose]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2024/06/21/pennsylvania-couple-drowns-florida-rip-current-6-children/stories/202406210130

HUTCHINSON ISLAND, Fla. — A Pennsylvania couple vacationing in Florida ... drowned after they were caught in a rip current while swimming, authorities said.

Brian Warter, 51, and 48-year-old Erica Wishard, and two of their mostly teenage children were caught in the current on Hutchinson Island, along Florida's southeast coast, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

“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,” investigators said.

Martin County Ocean Rescue attempted life-saving measures and took the couple to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead, according to the sheriff's office. A crisis intervention deputy is assisting the children while other family members travel to meet them in Florida.

WPVI-TV reported the couple was from Chester County.

- more at link -

Details are incomplete - however the AP news story reports that the couple have 6 children, and 2 of those children were swimming with them, and they also got caught in the dangerous riptide. None of the children died in this tragedy, only the two parents.

[Arne]

1. Got caught in a current at Horseshoe Bay

When you fight it pulls you under.
When you give up it lets you go.

[FakeNoose]

3. I've never lived near an ocean, so I'm not an expert

... but I have visited beaches several times in Florida, California, Mexico, South Carolina and New York.

When the authorities post warning signs about riptides, I believe them and I stay the fuck away out of the water. Maybe it's a little different when you're in a boat, I don't know. But when all I can rely on is the strength in my arms and legs to keep me alive, well ... I know not to take stupid chances.

This is such a tragic story and I don't mean to judge this couple. They risked their own lives as well as their children's.

[sheshe2]

2. How sad.

[Diamond_Dog]

4. Rip currents can also occur in lakes.

A 10 year old boy recently died from being caught in a rip current at a beach in Conneaut OH off Lake Erie.

I can’t imagine how terrifying it is to be caught in one.

My heart goes out to all these folks who lost loved ones.

[appalachiablue]

5. How awful, what a tragedy. K/R

[TBF]

6. There was a warning about rip currents just a few days ago in Galveston -

when tropical storm Alberto was coming in. Folks need to check local forecasts when they are swimming in the ocean. Still a very sad story - 6 children left without parents

[MOMFUDSKI]

7. Terrible. With a rip tide you swim further out

and then parallel to the beach until you are out of it. Then you swim back in to shore. There should be signs posted as to how to conduct yourself should you get caught in one. Also, just don’t swim when the riptide warnings and posted. I have lost count of how many tourists have died in Florida from riptides, lightning and snake bites.

[FakeNoose]

8. Yes the AP news story says that warning signs were clearly posted on the beach

Tourists need some kind of briefing session before they should be allowed to take their kids to Florida.
It's not for beginners.

[MOMFUDSKI]

9. I should publish a handbook for Florida

Tourists. “How to survive your week in sunny Florida”. lol

[FakeNoose]

10. Maybe it could be a "public service" post on DU?

I think it's a great idea, at least for other DUers to get the benefit of your insights.

[MOMFUDSKI]

11. I will begin making a list.

I will be laughing so hard just thinking of what I have witnessed in the last 36 years. It’s a trip!