Man dies after falling from boat as rough water conditions continue to impact Florida
Investigators said the man had been boating with his family and was sitting at the back of the boat when he fell overboard.
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Dangerous rip current conditions are lining along Florida's Atlantic coast. FOX Weather has tips on what to do if you're caught in a rip current and how to stay safe.
ST. PETERSBURG, Flo. - A 63-year-old man died over the weekend after falling off a boat he was on with his family while visiting St. Petersburg, Florida.
Tony Le was reported missing Saturday morning after he fell into the water near channel marker 18.
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According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call reporting the incident shortly after it occurred.
Sign warning swimmers of dangerous rip currents and wave conditions, Ho'okipa Beach, Maui, Paia, Hawaii, July 18, 2023. (Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images)
Investigators said Le had been boating with his family and was sitting at the back of the boat when he fell overboard.
Family members immediately turned the boat around and entered the water in an attempt to rescue him. Several witnesses also assisted in the search, but were unable to locate him.
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Spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association Wyatt Werneth joins FOX Weather to discuss rip current safety as Florida faces a high risk. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and how to prepare if you get caught:
Detectives said Le had underlying medical conditions and was wearing a life jacket when the boat launched, but it appears he removed it before entering the water.
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Search efforts were suspended overnight and resumed Sunday morning. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team later recovered Le’s body after multiple rescue dives. Officials said he was found approximately 19 feet below the surface.
Authorities believe the incident was accidental, but the investigation remains open.
Heavy surf pounds Jacksonville Beach, Florida. (FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
The tragedy comes as many areas in Florida face an increased risk of rip currents, as thousands have flocked to the beaches for spring break.
Over the past few weeks, a few fatalities have been reported, and dozens of people have been rescued across the state, linked to dangerous water conditions.
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On April 1, a man died while rescuing his two children from a rip current in Juno Beach, Florida, while another swimmer died in Pompano Beach under similar circumstances.
FILE: Downpours return to Florida, bringing rip current risk to beaches
Florida has seen days of much-needed rain, helping to ease the worst drought in a decade for the state. However, the rain is also fueling a flash flood risk and the risk of rip currents along beaches. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne reports from Vero Beach, Florida, on the latest conditions.
Officials warn people to be especially cautious as Florida continues to experience rough water conditions.
If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore toward more breaking waves or until you feel the current isn't pulling you away any longer. Once out of the current, change angles and swim directly to shore.