BOYNTON BEACH FLA. — A 15-year-old boy reported missing following an open water incident at Gulfstream Park Sunday morning was later found dead, according to Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue.
The Boynton Beach Fire Rescue (BBFR) received a call at 7:20 a.m. Sunday for two children in distress in the water near Gulfstream Park.
When they arrived, officials said one child had been safely rescued from the water by two Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue lifeguards, and a second child and their mother were still in the water.
A BBFR captain and BBFR firefighter entered the water to assist Gulf Stream Police Department officer in rescuing the mother.
The 15-year-old boy's body was found at about 12:20 p.m. Sunday.
Beachgoers learned about the incident shortly after arriving at the park.
"Very sad. It is really sad," one resident told WPTV. "I wish people would research before they go in the ocean and see stuff like this and understand it's not safe."
According to Boynton Beach police, the BBFR captain was injured during the rescue and taken to a hospital. He has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
“Very dangerous today. It’s basically one big washing machine out there," Lt. Andrew Rogers with Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue said. "Water's going very single direction, rip currents everywhere. It's a very dangerous day."
The unified response to the incident included employees from Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue, Gulf Stream Police, Boynton Beach Police, Boynton Beach Fire Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Gulfstream Park reopened to the public at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Due to strong winds, the ocean has been rough the last several weeks. Last weekend, a man drowned in Palm Beach County near the Boynton Inlet.
