Two Dead in Separate Water Incidents Off Anna Maria
Two men lost their lives in unrelated water-related emergencies off Anna Maria on Aug. 9, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Anna Maria Unit.
The first incident occurred around 10:35 a.m. near Bean Point, where a 45-year-old father and his 15-year-old son were playing in the water when the son was swept away by a strong rip current. The son managed to reach within 25 yards of shore, where deputies were able to throw him a life ring and bring him to safety. The father, however, remained further offshore. Members of the Manatee County Beach Patrol reached him on a rescue board, but he suffered an apparent cardiac event during the rescue. He was transported to a hospital, where he died the following day. Both were Florida residents visiting from another part of the state.
Later that afternoon, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a separate incident took place near the Sandbar restaurant. A 73-year-old man, about 20 yards from shore, began struggling in the water and lost his footing. Bystanders pulled him from the water and started CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials reported that rip currents were particularly dangerous near Bean Point that morning, with high waves and worsening weather later in the day contributing to hazardous conditions in other parts of the island. Authorities continue to urge swimmers to be aware of water conditions and heed safety warnings when visiting the area’s beaches.