Heroic Father Dies Rescuing Daughter From Drowning in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA - In a heartrending incident off Fort Lauderdale Beach, a father lost his life after heroically rescuing his daughter from drowning. Antwon Wilson, 33, of Lauderhill, was reported to have entered the water at around 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, 2025, near the B Ocean Resort, just moments after lifeguards had concluded their daily duties. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as Wilson jumped into action when he saw his children struggling in the surf. While he managed to keep his daughter afloat, he tragically went under the water himself as he attempted to save her.

Fortunately, lifeguards remained in the vicinity and responded quickly to the unfolding crisis. A good Samaritan also made an attempt to assist but faced overwhelming difficulties, managing to escape but not before nearly being pulled under. Ocean Rescue lieutenants successfully retrieved Wilson’s daughter and brought her to shore, where witnesses report she was responsive. However, despite efforts by paramedics, who performed CPR on Wilson after a thorough search located him, he did not survive the tragic drowning incident.

A Father’s Love and Sacrifice

This incident underscores the depth of a father’s love and the bravery displayed in life-threatening situations. The Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue received emergency calls shortly after the crisis began, as concerned onlookers reported the drowning. The lifeguards, who had just left their posts, rushed back to the scene to join the frantic efforts to save the individuals involved, highlighting the quick response of local authorities even after their official hours. Both children involved in the incident were transported to Broward Health Medical Center, where they were reported responsive.

While the response from emergency personnel was swift, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks associated with water activities. As advised by the Red Cross, water competency skills—such as swimming techniques and situational awareness—are essential for family safety during outings at beaches, pools, and other bodies of water. Drowning incidents can happen in an instant, often when individuals are distracted or not paying close attention to the surrounding environment.

Water Safety Measures and Awareness

The Red Cross emphasizes the importance of teaching every family member to swim and developing basic water safety skills to mitigate drowning risks. Their resources, including free online courses, offer guidance to parents and caregivers on how to teach water safety effectively. These classes are available in multiple languages, ensuring that families across different backgrounds have access to crucial knowledge about water safety.

The tragic loss of Antwon Wilson is a poignant reminder of the thin line between joy and tragedy that often accompanies family outings by the water. It speaks volumes about the lengths a parent will go to protect their children. In the wake of such heartbreaking events, it’s vital for communities to come together, learn best practices in water safety, and ensure that children are kept safe and supervised in aquatic environments.