Two water-related emergencies on Aug. 9 in Anna Maria left two men dead, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and West Manatee Fire Rescue District spokespersons.
The first incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. near Bean Point — the island’s northernmost tip at the confluence of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, which is known locally for having strong currents.
MCSO Sgt. Brett Getman said he and Deputy Vincent Bowman were on beach patrol when, “We were flagged down by multiple people at Fern Street pointing toward the point, saying ‘There’s two guys that have been swept out … and they’re treading water.’”
The swimmers — a 15-year-old male and his father Benjamin Tuffley of Keystone Heights, Fl — had been playing football south of Bean Point when the ball went into the water. The teen swam after it and was caught in a rip current. Seeing his son in distress, the father went in to help and both were swept into the main channel of the Passage Key Inlet.
“We were able to wave at the younger man and start directing him our way to land,” Getman said. “He was able to get out of the rip current somehow.”
With Bowman acting as an anchor to land and radioing approaching MCSO patrol boats,
Getman swam approximately 25 yards offshore carrying a rescue buoy to reach the teen, successfully bringing him to shore.
“After I got him out of the water … he immediately collapsed. He was obviously fatigued,” Getman said.
The father, who was still “about 100 yards offshore, right in the middle of the channel… resuscitative efforts.
Both father and son were transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where the father later died..
Assisting the MCSO in the response were county beach patrol lifeguards from Coquina Beach and WMFR.
The second incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. in the 100 block of Spring Avenue near the Sandbar Restaurant, according to Kwiatkowski, who said county EMS responded to a report of a 73-year-old male, identified as Rolando Hernandez, who drowned while swimming in the nearshore area.
“When (EMS) arrived … he was already being worked on by … civilians who had brought him on shore … but unfortunately, he could not be revived,” Kwiatkowski said.
According to Kwiatkowski, the beach flag warning system on Aug. 9 showed a green flag, indicating safe swimming conditions.
Despite the calm conditions, Getman urged swimmers to be mindful of swift currents.
In a formal statement, Kwiatkowski said, “Our hearts are with the families affected by today’ tragedies. Even with favorable marine conditions, the Gulf’s currents can be unforgiving. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take every precaution when enjoying our waters.”