A Massachusetts Army veteran and youth football coach is being honored as a hero after sacrificing his life to save his son and niece from a rip current at a Florida beach.
Tragic Incident at Fernandina Beach
On April 24, 2025, Joshua Curtis, 38, of Halifax, Massachusetts, drowned while attempting to rescue his 6-year-old son, Owen, and his niece from a powerful rip current at Fernandina Beach, approximately 35 miles north of Jacksonville. According to family members, Curtis rushed into the water when he saw the children struggling against the current. While he managed to keep them afloat, he was unable to save himself. According to CBS News, local resident Lance Jones, who assisted in rescuing the children, recalled Owen’s panic, with the child repeatedly saying, “I can’t swim, I can’t swim, my dad said he’s drowning.”
Curtis, a 15-year Army veteran and coach for the Silver Lake Warriors youth football program, had been in Florida for only a few days. He is survived by his wife and son. The football program described his impact as “immediate and lasting,” noting that he was preparing to become the head coach for the Mighty Mites team.
A celebration of life was held in Florida, where the family expressed gratitude to first responders and reflected on Curtis’s legacy. “He was always joyous; I had never seen him without a smile,” said his cousin, Chris Wall. “His legacy will live on through Owen,” added Jones.
Understanding Rip Currents
Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving channels of water flowing from the shore to deeper waters. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), rip currents are responsible for over 100 deaths annually in the U.S. and account for more than 80% of lifeguard rescues at surf beaches.
How to Spot a Rip Current
Rip currents are often difficult to identify but according to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), may present the following signs:
- A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater.
- A channel of churning, choppy water.
- A difference in water color.
- A line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving seaward.
USLA also notes that rip currents do not pull swimmers under the water; instead, they pull swimmers away from the shore. The strength of a rip current can vary, with speeds ranging from one to two feet per second, but some can reach up to eight feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer.
How to Avoid Rip Currents
To reduce the risk of being caught in a rip current:
- Always swim at beaches with lifeguards and heed their advice.
- Avoid swimming alone; always have a buddy.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties, where permanent rip currents often exist.
- Learn to identify rip currents and assess the water conditions before entering.
- Consult local surf zone forecasts to understand the risk level for rip currents.
What to Do if You’re Caught in a Rip Current
If you find yourself caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm; rip currents do not pull you under.
- Do not swim against the current.
- Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current.
- If you can’t swim out, float or tread water until the current weakens.
- Signal for help by waving your arms and shouting.
If you see someone in trouble:
- Alert a lifeguard or call 911.
- If safe, throw the person something that floats.
- Never enter the water without a flotation device.
For more information on rip currents and safety tips, visit the United States Lifesaving Association and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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