Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishart, 48, were on their first family vacation in Florida when they faced a tragedy. On June 20, while swimming with two of their children off Hutchinson Island, they were caught in powerful ocean currents. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, Brian and Erica were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
“The water conditions were exceptionally hazardous,” said Cory Pippen from Martin County Fire Rescue, noting the red flags warning of dangerous riptides.
Brian and Erica had been together for over a year, engaged, and planned to marry after their children finished college. Their vacation was eagerly anticipated. “They were so thrilled, they couldn’t see straight,” recalled Brian’s father, Larry Warter.
Brian’s family received tremendous support from the community. “We’ve been overwhelmed by offers of help,” Larry shared.
A GoFundMe page honors the couple, with Wayne Sallurday describing Erica as a loving mother and dedicated educator. This tragedy highlights the dangers of rip currents and the importance of following safety warnings. May Brian and Erica rest in peace.
In the UK, the majority of RNLI Lifeguard incidents involve rip currents. They are a major cause of accidental drowning on beaches all across the world.
What is a Rip Current?
Rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people and debris away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water.
They tend to flow at 1–2mph but can reach 4–5mph, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer.
Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but never underestimate the power of any water. They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.
How to spot and avoid a rip current
Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface.
Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice. They will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.
The best way to avoid rips is to choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which have been marked based on where is safer to swim in the current conditions. This also helps you to be spotted more easily, should something go wrong.
If you do find yourself caught in a rip:
– Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
– If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
– If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
– Always raise your hand and shout for help.
If you see anyone else in trouble, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.