PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Tragedy struck a Pennsylvania family vacationing in Florida when the mother and father of six mostly teenage children drowned after being pulled out to sea by strong rip currents. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon on Hutchinson Island near Port St. Lucie.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the 51-year-old father, Brian Warter, the 48-year-old mother, Erica Wishard, and two of their teen children were swept away by the powerful currents. The remaining children attempted to help their parents but were unable to overcome the dangerous conditions. They eventually swam to shore.
Ocean rescue crews located the unconscious parents, brought them to the beach and administered CPR while medics rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, both parents were later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving currents that pull away from the shore and out to sea. These currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves. On the day of the incident, dangerous rip current conditions were widespread along Florida’s Atlantic coast due to a tropical disturbance generating gusty, onshore winds. High Risk Rip Current Warnings extended from Miami to Georgia and even South Carolina.
Dr. Gregory Dusek, in NOAA’s rip current survival guide, advises those caught in a rip current to remain calm. He emphasizes that rip currents won’t pull you underwater; they simply carry you away from the shore. If caught, call for help and wave to get the attention of a lifeguard. Avoid swimming back toward the shore against the rip current, as it will only exhaust you.
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Sadly, rip currents claim an estimated 100 lives each year in the United States. Brian Warter and Erica Wishard mark the fourth and fifth deaths attributed to rip currents in the country so far this year.
Our hearts go out to the grieving family during this difficult time. Let us all remember the importance of beach safety and vigilance when enjoying the ocean with loved ones.
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