Father Dies After Rescuing Daughter from Drowning Off Fort Lauderdale Beach

33-year-old Antwon Wilson

A tragic water rescue turned fatal on Sunday evening after a father died saving his daughter from drowning off Fort Lauderdale Beach. Authorities confirmed that 33-year-old Antwon Wilson of Lauderhill lost his life after entering the ocean to rescue two of his children who appeared to be in distress.

The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. near the B Ocean Resort off Seabreeze Boulevard. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue (FLFR) units responded to emergency calls reporting a possible drowning in progress. Officials said that Wilson was able to reach his daughter and keep her afloat before he was pulled under by the strong current.

“She was in the water with multiple other family members,” said FLFR Battalion Chief Danny Moran. “The father was nearby and able to make it to her and help keep her afloat before he went under.”

Lifeguards had closed their towers just 20 minutes before the incident, but many were still nearby loading equipment. They quickly responded and were among the first on the scene, aiding in the rescue effort.

A bystander, identified as Eslam Saad, also jumped into the ocean to help the young girl. Saad recounted that he acted instinctively and without hesitation. “I didn’t even tell my wife I’m going in the water again. I just jumped,” he said.

After reaching the girl, Saad tried to keep her calm as he helped guide her toward the shore. “I told her, ‘Please, I know you are in panic. Please, do not do anything crazy. I will try my best to get you out,’” he recalled. Although he struggled in the water himself—swallowing seawater and sustaining scrapes—he managed to get her close enough for lifeguards to take over.

Saad described hearing screams from the beach that signaled something was wrong. “A lot of people were just screaming, ‘Help, help, help,’” he said.

Ocean Rescue lieutenants successfully reached the girl and brought her ashore. However, her father was not immediately located. After an extensive search, Wilson was found, pulled from the water, and CPR was administered on the beach before he was rushed to Broward Health Medical Center along with his daughter and Saad.

Despite efforts to revive him, Wilson was pronounced dead at the hospital. Saad later shared the heartbreaking moment he learned of the father's passing. “They told me her dad was already gone,” he said.

The young girl remains at Broward Health Medical Center and is expected to recover. Saad expressed no regrets about his actions and said he would do it all again. “I feel proud about myself, and again, I would do the same thing no matter what the consequences,” he stated. He also confirmed that he had spoken with the family, who thanked him for his courageous efforts.

Authorities praised the quick response by lifeguards and the bravery of the good Samaritan, but the incident underscores the dangers of ocean swimming after lifeguards are off-duty.