A 49-year-old man died Friday after encountering dangerous water conditions while swimming near Passage Key off Anna Maria Island, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and West Manatee Fire Rescue.
The incident was reported shortly after 4:30 p.m. Friday. According to MCSO, two adults were swimming just west of Passage Key near their anchored boat when they encountered a rapidly incoming tide.
Investigators said a large wave caused the 49-year-old man to go underwater, and he did not resurface. The other swimmer called 911, prompting a multi-agency rescue response.
West Manatee Fire Rescue crews located the man in the water and immediately began resuscitation efforts. WMFR responded with Battalion 1, Engine 131, Fire Boat 136 and Rescue Squad 138.
The man was transferred to Manatee County Emergency Medical Services at Galati Yacht Sales and transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident was cleared at approximately 5:39 p.m.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the drowning. The man’s identity has not been publicly released.
Authorities are reminding boaters and beachgoers to use extreme caution around Passage Key and other areas where tides, currents and breaking waves can change rapidly, particularly near sandbars and inlets.