33-year-old man dies during Memorial Day weekend beach outing, Georgia officials say
A swimmer died in an apparent drowning at Georgia beach over Memorial Day weekend, local and state authorities said.
The 33-year-old man was pulled from the water Sunday, May 26, after reports of a swimmer in distress at the beach at Massengale Park off St. Simons Island, according to Glynn County Fire Rescue.
A lifeguard saw he was unconscious and began CPR, fire crews said.
Life-saving efforts went on for nearly an hour before the man was taken to Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
“Despite the efforts of first responders, the victim did not survive,” fire officials said.
Authorities haven’t released the man’s name.
The drowning was one of multiple incidents reported over the holiday weekend, according to Georgia DNR.
A boater hurt his leg Sunday after crashing into another vessel on Lake Lanier, officials said, and a woman suffered a gash to her head after a boating accident on Lake Allatoona on Monday, officials said.
In a second suspected drowning, DNR wardens were alerted Monday to a body in private pond in Muscogee County. Authorities said it’s possible the person was in the water for days.
St. Simons Island is about an 80-mile drive southwest of Savannah.
Drownings in the U.S.
An estimated 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning is also a leading cause of death for kids.
Certain factors cam make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim well, a lack of close supervision, forgoing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water, the CDC said.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s website says.
“Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day.” the group said. “It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”
This story was originally published May 28, 2024 at 7:45 AM with the headline "33-year-old man dies during Memorial Day weekend beach outing, Georgia officials say."