Man Caught In Rip Current Off Lido Beach Found Drowned

SARASOTA, FL -- Sarasota Police officers are investigating a drowning that occurred off Lido Beach on Sunday, June 17.

At approximately 10 p.m., officers responded to the area of John Ringling Boulevard and Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, in reference to a man possibly lost in the Gulf of Mexico.

When officers arrived, they determined that a man and woman went swimming and were caught in a rip current. Both were in distress and were having difficulty staying above water.

The woman told officers they were being swept toward Big Pass but she was able to make it to shore after an hour in the water.

Multiple Sarasota Police officers and members of the Sarasota County Fire Department arrived and immediately began searching the shoreline and water for the man. He was located on the beach in the 200 block of Benjamin Franklin Drive at approximately 10:45 p.m.

CPR efforts were initiated but were unsuccessful. The man was pronounced dead at approximately 11 p.m.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigation Division have taken over the investigation. Detectives believe the drowning is accidental and no foul play is suspected.

The next of kin for the man has not been notified at this time.

Image via Sarasota Police