CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Coast Guard and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office ended the search for a missing swimmer offshore Turtle Beach, Monday, after his body was recovered.
Coast Guard Station Cortez and Air Station Clearwater, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Fire Department and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission crews searched for about 16 hours covering approximately 740 square nautical miles, approximately the size of Manatee County.
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office dispatch contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders Sunday evening, reporting that Sarasota County Fire Department rescued two people from the water, but that there was still one missing swimmer offshore Turtle Beach.
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body and confirmed the identity of the missing man Monday afternoon.
"We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the swimmer,” said Lt. Andrew Grady, a search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. "Situations like these are tough and we must come together as a community to prevent situations like this from happening again."
According to the Sarasota County Fire Department, it is important to swim near a lifeguard. Lifeguards are trained to respond to emergencies, recognize hazardous conditions and advise swimmers on how to stay safe. Sarasota County has six lifeguarded beaches. Residents and visitors can check beach conditions online at visitbeaches.org or by checking the color of the beach warning flags at lifeguard stands.
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