Galveston Island Beach Patrol confirmed just before noon on Friday, May 14th, that the body of an 8-year-old boy had been recovered at about 6:30 am that day about six miles west of where the child drowned while swimming with other children just off the Seawall beach in Galveston on Tuesday, May 11th. The Beach Patrol’s Chief reported that the victim, who was a member of a family from St. Louis which comes to vacation in Galveston every summer, was caught in a strong rip tide and swept away before he could either swim to shore or be rescued by his young friends. The family is said to be devastated by his untimely death.

Children under the age of 16, and anyone who is not a strong, experienced swimmer, should never venture into the Gulf’s waters off Galveston’s beaches above the knee without being in sight of a life guard and accompanied by an attentive, responsible adult. The waters of the Gulf hide sinister currents and submerged tides that can overtake swimmers with terrifying speed and strength. And, once you are in the grip of one, your chance of surviving is directly proportional to your emergency skills or available help. Unaccompanied kids sadly lack either.

There are certain instances in which private property owners or a governmental entity can be liable for allowing people to swim in dangerous areas. If you or a loved one ever suffers a horrible experience such as this, please give us a call so that we can properly investigate and inform you of your legal options. Please be safe out there.