Teenager drowns near Galveston Pleasure Pier, fifth drowning of 2024

GALVESTON, TX – A 17-year-old Louisiana teenager tragically drowned Friday afternoon while swimming in rough surf near 25th Street, just west of the Galveston Historic Pleasure Pier.

Four rescuers entered the water, with another using a personal watercraft to search for the missing swimmer who was reportedly seen sinking west of Pleasure Pier.

Capt. Tony Pryor of the Galveston Island Beach Patrol said a lifeguard spotted someone who appeared to be struggling in the water. The swimmer disappeared in very rough water conditions.

“He was in the water up to his chest, right in the middle of the beach,” said Lt. Austin Kirwin of the Galveston Island Beach Patrol. “There was no rip current in that area at the time. What we assume is what happened was that he was on a sandbar and then he got knocked over by a wave and then fell into one of these hollow.

Galveston Island Beach Patrol lifeguards pulled the teen from the water and performed CPR before transporting him to a waiting ambulance near 25th Street and Seawall Boulevard.

Once in the ambulance, the boy was rushed to UTMB Health John Sealy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Red warning flags flew at the three lifeguard stations guarding the popular beach.

“Historically, 80 percent of all drownings occur because of rip currents,” Lt. Kirwin said.

“Oh, no, I didn't know that,” added Amanda Alonso, who was watching her children swim in the same area on Sunday.

On Sunday, rescuers lowered the water condition from red flag to yellow flag, but that doesn't mean the coast is clear.

“We probably have as many drownings on green flag days as we do on yellow and red flag days.” » said Lieutenant Kirwin. “We want everyone to have fun here. But if you can't stay safe, it won't be a fun day.

The best ways to have a fun day in the sun include listening to the lifeguard's instructions, always swimming with a buddy, and having a supervised lifeguard station nearby to ensure someone is always there to watch over you.

“Talk to the lifeguard. Ask them: “Where can I swim?” Where is it safe? Where is a good place to play with my children?' said Kirwin.

The identity of the teenager who drowned has not yet been released.