ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Update 1:56 p.m. Monday: The St. Johns County Fire Rescue Department has confirmed with Action News Jax that the body of the missing swimmer, a person in their mid-20s who disappeared Sunday afternoon at Mickler’s Landing Beach, has been located, ending the search.
Update 6:45 a.m. Monday: The St. Johns County Fire Rescue reports that multiple units remained at the scene overnight and are still actively searching for the missing swimmer this morning. More updates to follow.
Original: St. Johns County Fire Rescue is searching for a missing swimmer near Mickler’s Landing Beach.
He is reported as a Hispanic male in his early to mid-20s last seen wearing black swim trunks. Officials say the 911 call came in around 1:45 p.m. from family members after the man had been missing in the water for 20 minutes.
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According to a Facebook post, multiple agencies are involved in the ongoing search: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The beach was full on Sunday despite the risk posed by rough seas. Beachgoer George Anderson said he was concerned to see so many people in the water at Mickler’s Landing.
“I saw people in the water with their six-month-old babies and their one-year-olds. Good God, I wonder what is wrong with these people,” said Anderson.
Ponte Vedra resident Randi Ross said the rip currents have been much stronger this week. She urged if you are not an expert swimmer, you need to steer clear.
“My kids are pretty experienced surfers. I wouldn’t have let them go out in the water two days ago. I think people need to go out there with a boogie board or surfboard, some type of flotation device,” said Ross.
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St. Johns County Fire Rescue PIO Chris Naff urges everyone to stay out of the water due to a high rip current risk.
“Rip currents are up, tides are up, and surf is up, so just stay out of the water. We’re getting more and more of these rescues going on,” said Naff.
Naff said there would still be a presence in the water overnight, continuing the search. These resources will include their marine rescue division units and boats from FWC.
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