Swimmers Caught In Rip Current Rescued Off Anna Maria Island: Watch

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, FL — A father and son were recently rescued from waters off Anna Maria Island after they were pulled away by a strong rip current, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

MCSO marine deputies noticed them struggling off Bean Point, about 100 yards from shore, just before 2 p.m. on April 23.

Deputies pulled the swimmers onto their boat and returned them safely to the beach, the sheriff’s office said. (Watch a video of the rescue below.)

The father and son, who were vacationing from Europe and spoke little English, and were unaware of the rip currents that are common to some areas along Anna Maria Island.

“Fortunately, deputies were in the right place at the right time and saw the struggling swimmers before it was too late,” the agency said.

Anyone caught in a rip current should remain calm and try to swim parallel to the shore, as fighting the current makes the situation worse, MCSO said. Then, alert someone help is needed.

Learn more about rip currents and how to escape them here.

Watch Manatee County Sheriff's Office marine deputies rescue the father and son from waters off Anna Maria Island on April 23: