A tragic drowning occurred in Galveston, Texas, when a 55-year-old man from Houston was found unresponsive after being caught in strong currents. The incident happened on Sunday morning, June 22, 2024, while the man and his wife were boogie boarding in the area.
After the couple grew tired and decided to head back to shore, the wife noticed her husband was no longer with her.
The Search and Recovery
The woman immediately contacted authorities, and first responders quickly arrived on the scene to search for the man. They found him near tower 24 shortly after 9 a.m.
He was brought back to shore, and CPR was administered before he was rushed to a nearby emergency room. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, the man was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
What We Know and Don’t Know
The man has been identified as a 55-year-old from Houston, though his name has not been released. It’s not yet clear if he was in a restricted area when the drowning occurred. Authorities believe that the strong currents may have drifted him out to the area near tower 24.
Red Flag Warning and Safety Tips
Galveston Beach Patrol issued a red flag warning for June 22, alerting beachgoers to the dangerous conditions, including rough waves and strong currents. Lt. Austin Kirwin of the Beach Patrol cautioned beachgoers, saying, “On red flag days, do not go more than waist-deep in water.”
He also advised people to pay attention to lifeguard whistles, as they are there to keep individuals away from dangerous areas and rip currents.
This tragic event highlights the importance of being aware of beach conditions and staying vigilant, especially during red flag warnings when the water can be unpredictable and dangerous.