Pennsylvania Parents Drown In Florida Rip Current, Children Survive

Credit: Martin County Sheriff’s Office 

HUTCHINSON ISLAND, Florida - A Pennsylvania couple drowned after being caught in a rip current while vacationing with their six children on Hutchinson Island on Thursday June 20, 2024. 

Despite rescue efforts, Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishard, 48, could not be saved.

The family had just begun their day at the beach when tragedy struck. While swimming, Warter and Wishard, along with two of their teenage children, were pulled out by a rip current. The teenagers managed to break free and attempted to rescue their parents, but the current's strength forced them to swim back to shore for their own safety.

Martin County Ocean Rescue quickly located the couple and initiated CPR on the beach. These efforts continued in the ambulance and later at Cleveland Clinic North, where doctors worked tirelessly to save them. Unfortunately, both Warter and Wishard were declared deceased.

Throughout the ordeal, a Martin County Sheriff’s Crisis Intervention Team Deputy supported the couple's children. The family is now awaiting the arrival of other relatives from Pennsylvania.

The National Weather Service in Miami had issued a Rip Currents Hazard for South Florida on Thursday. Rip currents are expected to continue along the east coast of Florida through tonight due to Invest 92L off the coast of Florida.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties, and piers. 

Remember to swim near a life guard and do not swim alone. Ask the beach patrol about ocean hazards when you arrive at the beach.

If you become caught in a rip current – do not panic – but yell for help.  Remain calm and do not exhaust yourself. Stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, begin to swim parallel to shore.  

Once you are away from the force of the rip current, begin to swim back to the beach. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current. Even a strong swimmer can become exhausted quickly.