Rip Current Threat, Swimming Fatality Prompt Warning To Holiday Beachgoers

Beachgoers Beware Dangerous rip currents

Brevard Fire Rescue reports that multiple agencies are searching in south Melbourne Beach for a swimmer who went missing in high surf Sunday afternoon about 4:40 p.m. (BCFR image)
A yet to be identified 20-year-old man from Kissimmee drowned off North Spessard Holland beach on Sunday afternoon. (BCFR image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A yet to be identified 20-year-old man from Kissimmee drowned off North Spessard Holland beach on Sunday afternoon.

Dangerous rip currents that are expected to prevail through the Memorial Day Holiday have led to more than 40 ocean rescues this weekend, and proved tragic for the 20-year-old swimmer on Sunday.

Just before 4 p.m. Sunday, the beach at North Spessard Holland was cleared due to thunder and lightning in the area.

Beachgoers were asked to seek shelter.

At about 4:30, Brevard County Ocean Rescue responded to a 53-year-old swimmer in distress. Once the swimmer was brought out of the water, CPR was performed and lifeguards began medical resuscitation and were able to get a pulse. The victim was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center.

At about the same time, a lifeguard went out after two other swimmers who were caught in a rip current, and discovered a third swimmer was submerged.  A search and recovery effort ensued involving more than 30 rescuers.

Mutual aid was also provided by Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Indialantic Fire Department, Melbourne Beach Fire and the U.S. Coast Guard.

At 6:45 p.m., Ocean Rescue recovered a body 35 to 40 yards from the last seen location. The victim was identified as the 20-year-old male from Kissimmee.

Brevard Ocean Rescue Issues Rip Current Warning, Beachgoers Stay Near Lifeguard TowerRelated Story:
Brevard Ocean Rescue Issues Rip Current Warning, Beachgoers Stay Near Lifeguard Tower

Ocean Rescue is asking beachgoers to use extreme caution due to rip currents and rough surf conditions.  There were 30 beach rescues on Saturday and 10 on Sunday.

The beach is a popular destination on the Memorial Day Holiday. Beachgoers who enter the water are asked to swim near a lifeguard tower.

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Dangerous rip currents that are expected to prevail through the Memorial Day Holiday have led to more than 40 ocean rescues this weekend, and proved tragic for the 20-year-old swimmer on Sunday. (BCFR image)
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Dangerous rip currents that are expected to prevail through the Memorial Day Holiday have led to more than 40 ocean rescues this weekend, and proved tragic for the 20-year-old swimmer on Sunday. (BCFR image)