Florida Firefighters Rescue 19 from Rip Currents

Jan. 2, 2007
One man drowned after being caught in a strong rip current.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue reported at least 19 ocean rescues Sunday, with one man drowing after being caught in a strong rip current.

The FLFD said that 62-year-old Emil Buzhaker, who is a resident of New York and who has a condominium in Delray Beach, drowned off 3400 Galt Ocean Drive Sunday afternoon. He was found face down in the water, and was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Rescuers said that other beachgoers had pulled Buzhaker from the water and had performed CPR on him.

Winds gusting out of the east created the dangerous conditions.

Swimmers are reminded to swim parallel to the shore until they are able to escape rip currents before trying to swim to shore.

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