GALVESTON, Texas – A 55-year-old man drowned over the weekend at Galveston Beach, making it the 5th reported drowning on the island this year. And in light of the tragedy, officials are urging residents about beach safety ahead of what’s expected to be a busy Fourth of July weekend.
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Officials got the call to 31st and Seawall just after 8:30 a.m. Sunday. A woman said she and her husband were boogie boarding, but when she got back to shore, she noticed her husband had disappeared
His body was found about half an hour later, about five blocks away. Life-saving efforts were performed, but he did not survive. Officials with the National Weather Service expect a high risk of rip currents to continue through Tuesday.
On Monday afternoon, alone, we saw crowds of beachgoers, and for that reason, officials are expecting hundreds of thousands of people to fill the beach for Fourth of July weekend, which is why they say it’s really important to take heed to the following advice.
“Two of the most important things that we try to preach. Number one, always swim with a buddy. Always make sure somebody’s watching you. The second most important thing is to always swim near a lifeguard,” a spokesperson for Galveston Island Beach Patrol said explained. “Your chances of drowning in a guarded area are significantly low.”
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Galveston Island Beach Patrol officials are getting ready for an anticipated packed beach this Fourth of July weekend. And they’re offering the public advice on flag warnings to help make their jobs easier
Stay away from rock structures, our jetties, our piers, and stuff like that,“ the spokesperson said. “And obey our signs, look out for the flag colors, make sure you educate yourself on those.
A green flag, for example, indicates mild conditions
“That’s the safest time to swim,” the patrol official said. “You still want to be careful though, because we’ve had to make rescues on green flag days.
A yellow flag means the currents are moderate
“You can’t really see it, but when you get in, you can definitely feel it,” he explained. You’re gonna move a little bit.”
A red flag is a sign that beachgoers need to be extra cautious because that’s when conditions are harshest. This was the flag condition on the day the 55-year-old man drowned.
“No going past your waist,” a spokesperson for Galveston Island Beach Patrol warned.
While water safety is extremely important, beach officials say you should also take care of yourself when you’re on land.
“Wear plenty of sunscreen, make sure you stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty, drink some water,” he concluded. “And just obey the lifeguards, drink plenty of water, get some shade, and have a good time.”
