Swimmers Swept Away by Current, Teen Drowns Off Boynton Beach

Waves crash south of Boynton Inlet, Nov. 10, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Palm Beach County authorities responded to a report of two swimmers in distress Sunday morning, with rescuers scouring the ocean south of Boynton Inlet in search of one young man who went missing.

Just after 7:27 am, PBSO deputies were called to Gulfstream Park, located on the 4400 block of North Ocean Boulevard in Boynton Beach, in response to reports of two missing swimmers, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Upon arrival Boynton Beach Fire-Rescue found one child had already been safely rescued from the water. The second child and his mother remained in the water, however. According to the statement, a fire captain and firefighter entered into the water to assist a Gulf Stream Police Department officer who was attempting to rescue the mother. Boynton Beach rescuers and Gulf Stream police officers were able to successfully rescue the mother.

During the water rescue the fire captain was injured and transported to a local hospital in severe condition. He is now listed in stable condition.

The second person in the water, a teenager, was swimming in the ocean with family members when he was swept away by a strong current, the statement said agency spokeswoman Chelsea​​​​ Sanabia.

“Efforts to locate and rescue him involved multiple agencies,”​​​​ Sanabia said. “Sadly, the teen was found unconscious and brought to shore shortly after noon where he was pronounced deceased by fire rescue personnel at 12:31 p.m.”

Detectives from the PBSO Violent Crimes Division arrived on scene to take over the death investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard also participated in the search.