DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.,None — A father drowned at Daytona Beach Monday night as he tried to save his children who were caught in a strong rip current.
Officials said Richard Kerr was visiting from St. Petersburg and was trying to teach his children how to surf when they got into trouble, he swam out to help, but was overpowered by the waves.
Other surfers were able to rescue his children, but 40-year-old Kerr was found about a quarter mile away, floating in the ocean, and not breathing, officials said.
He was taken to Halifax Medical Center, but was pronounced dead within the hour.
The family was in the water in an area of the beach that does not have a stationed life guard.
They parked in an area that was unguarded unfortunately, said Tamra Marris, of the Volusia County Beach Patrol. One of the most important things you can do is swim in front of a lifeguard tower.
Beachgoers were warned of jellyfish and red flags along the stretch of Volusia County beaches, indicating strong rip currents stirred up by Hurricane Katia.
Beach Patrol officials said they assisted in at least 20 rescues on Monday.
That's so sad that the man was here on vacation or even here for the holiday and not to be going home with his family. Its very sad, said Lorraine White, who was visiting Daytona Beach on Monday.
Beach Patrol officials say the death should act as a warning to others that the ocean can be violent and powerful.
WFTV
