A Pennsylvania couple vacationing in Florida with their six children drowned Thursday afternoon after being caught in a rising tide, local authorities said.
The family of eight was visiting Stewart Beach on Hutchinson Island, a barrier island on Florida’s southeast coast, when the parents and two teenage children were swept away by a rip current while swimming, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
The two boys were able to escape the current, but their parents, Brian Waters, 51, and Erica Wishard, 48, were not.
“The children tried to swim against the current to help their parents, but it became too dangerous and they were forced to swim to shore,” authorities wrote on Facebook.
Waters and Wishard were found by Martin County Ocean Rescue lifeguards and CPR was initiated on shore before they were transported to Cleveland Clinic North by Martin County Fire Rescue paramedics.
“Life-saving efforts continued in the ambulance and at the hospital, with doctors making final efforts before pronouncing the couple dead,” MCSO said.
Early Thursday morning, Martin County Fire Rescue posted on Facebook that red flags were up in Jensen Beach, Stewart Beach and Hobe Sound.
Warnings of rough seas and low tides were also issued.
“Have a great Thursday! Waves are 4-6 feet high with a light current heading north. Please use caution if entering the ocean,” the post read. “Water temperature is 77 degrees with an east-southeast wind at 15-20 mph. Rip currents are expected so only strong swimmers are advised. If you plan on going to the beach, please visit a patrolled beach.”
The fire department said the post was made at 11:31 a.m. and a 911 call was made about a missing swimmer around 1:30 p.m.
The Hutchinson Island travel information Facebook page posted about the tragedy late Thursday and shared the following tips on how to avoid rip currents and escape:
1. If the beach flag is red, don’t go in the water.
2. Even on green flag days, observe the water before diving in.
3. Do not enter areas where the waves are not breaking.
4. Always keep an eye on the water surface as rip currents change.
5. If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and fight the current. Stay afloat, wave for help, and swim parallel to the shore.
“These signs are posted at all guarded and unpatrolled beaches so if you are visiting please go to a guarded beach first and read these signs. If you are unsure please ask a lifeguard to show you what to look out for when spotting a rip current,” the post read.
The sheriff’s office said a crisis intervention team was assisting the couple’s six children until other family members could arrive in Florida.
