Maine Father Dies Rescuing Kids From Florida Rip Current

Ryan Jennings pushed his son to safety but did not survive the powerful current.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:20am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a massive, churning rip current dominating the frame, with only the faintest outline of a human figure struggling against the turbulent waters.The powerful, unforgiving forces of nature claim another life, as a family's beach vacation ends in unspeakable tragedy.Juno Beach Today

A family's beach vacation in South Florida ended in tragedy when a rip current off Juno Beach pulled a father and two of his children out to sea, killing the 46-year-old dad who managed to save both kids. Authorities say Ryan Jennings of North Yarmouth, Maine was in the water with his 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter when the powerful current swept them away from shore. Jennings pushed his son toward safety, then lifted his daughter above the surface as they drifted farther out, but he did not survive.

Why it matters

Rip currents are a common and deadly hazard along Florida's Atlantic coast, responsible for multiple drownings in the Juno Beach area in recent years. Jennings' heroic actions to save his children highlight the dangers families face when swimming in the ocean, especially during high-risk conditions.

The details

According to a Juno Beach Police Department incident report, Jennings was unconscious and being brought to shore when officers arrived at the scene. Life-saving measures were attempted but he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The children told officers they were struggling in the water when their father "came into the ocean to save them."

  • On April 7, 2026, the incident occurred off the coast of Juno Beach, Florida.

The players

Ryan Jennings

A 46-year-old father from North Yarmouth, Maine who died rescuing his two children from a rip current off the coast of Juno Beach, Florida.

Emily Jennings

The wife of Ryan Jennings, who said her husband "made sure they made it out alive" and "truly was our hero."

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What they’re saying

“He made sure they made it out alive. He truly was our hero.”

— Emily Jennings, Wife of Ryan Jennings

What’s next

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Jennings family, and his parents plan to launch a $5,000 annual scholarship in his name for a local student who reflects his reputation for generosity and character.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of rip currents and the heroic actions some parents will take to save their children, even at the ultimate cost. It serves as a somber reminder of the importance of ocean safety and the need for continued education and awareness around this deadly natural hazard.