The body of a 15-year-old swimmer who went missing in Jacksonville Beach over the weekend was discovered Monday morning in Ponte Vedra Beach, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

What Happened?

• The teen was last seen Saturday at 4:45 p.m. struggling in a rip current about two blocks north of a lifeguard tower.
• Lifeguards and emergency responders launched an immediate search effort, but he could not be located.
• Authorities shifted the mission from search to recovery Saturday night, determining he could not have survived.

Discovery & Investigation

• A beachgoer found the body near Ponte Vedra Boulevard and alerted police.
• The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville Beach Police Department responded to the scene.
• The teen was described as a Black male, 5’8″, wearing red and black swim trunks. His identity has not been released.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of rip currents and the importance of ocean safety.