Tragedy recently struck a Pennsylvania family of eight who were vacationing in Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island in Florida. The parents of six children drowned after getting caught in a rip current in the surf on Thursday afternoon.
According to reports from authorities, the parents and two teenage children were carried out to sea by a rip current while swimming in the surf of the barrier island off Florida’s southeastern coast. While the two teens were rescued from the waters, unfortunately, the parents, 51-year-old Brian Warter and 48-year-old Erica Wishard, drowned.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office posted a message about the incident on Facebook, explaining the circumstances of the tragic incident. “Despite efforts by family members, Martin County Ocean Rescue, MCFR Paramedics, and doctors at Cleveland Clinic North, a Pennsylvania couple caught in a rip current while swimming on Hutchinson Island this afternoon could not be saved,” the post read.
The MCSO continued, “The man and woman, identified as 51-year-old Brian Warter and 48-year-old Erica Wishard, along with their six mostly teenage children, started their Florida vacation day on the beach. While in the water, the couple and two of the teens got swept out by a rip current. The kids were able to break the current and attempted to help their parents, but it became too dangerous and they were forced to swim ashore.”
Despite lifesaving efforts from first responders, the couple were not able to be revived. “Martin County Ocean Rescue located the victims and began CPR on shore. Those life-saving efforts continued in the ambulance and at the hospital where doctors gave it every last effort before declaring the couple deceased,” the statement added.
The MCSO explained that the provided necessary resources and assistance to the six children until other family arrived in Florida. “A Martin County Sheriff’s Crisis Intervention Team Deputy assisted the couple’s children throughout the day and evening as they await the arrival of other family members into Florida,” the MCSO wrote.
Reportedly, the Martin County Fire Rescue shared a warning to Facebook on Thursday that red flags were being flown at Jensen Beach, Stuart Beach, and the Hobe Sound to denote dangerous conditions in the water. Rough current and rip current warnings were also issued.
“Happy Thursday! The surf is 4-6 ft and there is a light drift heading north, so be aware if you chose(sic) to go in the ocean,” the post cautioned swimmers. “The water temp is 77 degrees and there’s a(sic) ESE wind blowing about 15-20 mph. We suggest strong swimmers only because rip currents are expected. If you plan on heading to the beach, please visit one of our guarded beaches.”
Furthermore, the authorities urged beachgoers to always check the posted signs at lifeguard posts upon entering the beach to be aware of any possible dangers in the surf. “These signs are posted at every single beach guarded and unguarded. Please, if you’re visiting go to guarded beach first. Read these signs. If you’re not sure have a lifeguard show you what to look for when spotting rip currents,” the message added.
Featured image credit: Martin County Sheriff’s Office
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