A Maine father of three, Ryan Jennings, died last week rescuing two of his children from a rip current while vacationing in Florida.
Ryan was swimming with his 12-year-old son, Jax, and 9-year-old daughter, Charlie, at Juno Beach when they were caught in the current. He pushed his son to safety and kept his daughter above water, but was pulled unconscious to shore and later pronounced dead at Jupiter Medical Center.
Palm Beach County officials said four swimmers were rescued from an unguarded area during rip current conditions, which claim about 100 lives annually. Authorities stressed swimming at guarded beaches is safer.
Emily Jennings, Ryan’s wife, recalled his bravery and devotion, noting he had once welcomed her and her child into his home early in their relationship. The couple had three children and were expecting a fourth.
A GoFundMe in Ryan’s honor had raised over $200,000, with family and friends remembering him as a hero.