Three Hospitalized After Water Rescue Near Fort Lauderdale Beach, One in Critical Condition

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue units responded to emergency calls at approximately 7:20 p.m. near the B Ocean Resort on Seabreeze Boulevard

A beach outing took a tragic turn on Sunday evening as rescue crews rushed to the scene of a near-drowning off Fort Lauderdale Beach, resulting in the hospitalization of a young girl and two adults, including her father who sustained life-threatening injuries.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue units responded to emergency calls at approximately 7:20 p.m. near the B Ocean Resort on Seabreeze Boulevard. The distress call came just 20 minutes after Ocean Rescue lifeguards had officially closed their towers for the day. Fortunately, several lifeguards were still nearby and immediately responded.

“A lot of them were still in the area loading up equipment,” said Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Danny Moran. “They were first on scene, they were able to turn their trucks around and be the first responders from our fire rescue department.”

According to investigators, the incident involved a young girl who was struggling in the water, and her father who quickly entered the ocean to try to save her. “She was in the water with multiple other family members,” Moran said. “The father was nearby and able to make it to her and help keep her afloat before he went under.”

A good Samaritan also entered the water to assist but encountered difficulties and was pulled under as well. He managed to escape and return to shore.

Ocean Rescue lieutenants reached the girl and brought her safely to shore. However, her father was not immediately visible. A search was launched, and he was located underwater several minutes later. Paramedics immediately began performing CPR and other lifesaving measures.

All three individuals—the girl, her father, and the good Samaritan—were transported to Broward Health Medical Center. While the girl’s condition has not been disclosed, officials confirmed that one of the adults is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

Authorities praised the quick response of nearby Ocean Rescue personnel and emphasized the importance of caution when swimming after lifeguard hours.