A Friday afternoon swim near an anchored boat turned tragic west of Passage Key, off Anna Maria Island. According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, two adults were in the water around 4:30 p.m. when a rapidly incoming tide caught them and a large wave pulled one man underwater. West Manatee Fire Rescue crews located him and began life-saving efforts before he was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The investigation is ongoing.
The area around Passage Key is known for exactly this kind of hazard. It’s where the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay meet, and local boaters like Ernie Vanderwalt describe the currents there as treacherous, with tides that change quickly and rip currents that can catch even strong swimmers off guard. “In our line of business, one is too many,” said John Stump of West Manatee Fire Rescue, reflecting how seriously first responders take every water emergency on the Suncoast.
If you’re heading out on the water this weekend, the takeaways are simple. Check tide charts before you anchor, keep watch on the water even when it looks calm, and think twice about swimming near inlets and sandbars where currents concentrate. When possible, swim near lifeguarded beaches. What’s your go-to safety habit on the water? Share it with us, and it might help a neighbor stay safe.
