Anna Maria locations a short lived swimming ban at Bean Point

ANNA MARIA, Fla. (WWSB) – Anna Maria metropolis commissioners authorized a 60-day ordinance Thursday evening banning swimming “and certain water activities” at Bean Point after a number of current drownings there.

The ordinance prohibits swimming from the Fern Avenue seaside entry north, round Bean Point, to the seaside entry at 831 North Shore Drive.

City commissioners stated individuals will be capable to go knee-deep into the water. There might be no fines for many who violate the ordinance; a warning might be given till a decision is handed.

During Thursday’s assembly, metropolis commissioners stated they’ll be working with the county to create a everlasting answer in the course of the 60-day ordinance.

No-swimming indicators had been posted earlier this month after the most recent incident Aug. 31, the place a 20-year-old customer went lacking whereas swimming about 100 yards offshore within the Gulf of Mexico with one other man.

Abhigyan Patel’s physique was recovered the subsequent day by the U.S. Coast Guard a couple of mile offshore. Search and rescue efforts coated an space of roughly 172 sq. miles by air and sea in the course of the search.

The seaside is thought for its surroundings and clear blue water, however additionally it is identified for its sturdy rip currents. There are indicators across the seaside exhibiting the best way to escape a rip present.

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No swimming indicators posted on Bean Point after a number of drownings

In the previous month, there have been three drownings on and close to Bean Point, in line with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Holmes Beach metropolis commissioner and long-time Anna Maria resident Carol Whitmore has been dwelling on the island since 1969, witnessing how harmful the currents can get, however she stated she has by no means seen this many drownings.

“This has only happened recently. And I think what’s happening is our public, and there’s a lot of tourism here; they don’t know that it can be dangerous,” stated Whitmore.

Whitmore stated metropolis commissioners ought to take a look at different choices quite than banning swimming on Bean Point.

“I think the commissioners should talk about it and maybe possibly educate the public on where to go where a lifeguard is located and maybe not go to a point where there’s nobody and there’s major undertow due to the shipping channels,” stated Whitmore.

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