Rip Current — Maryland Beaches, Maryland

2025-08-08 · Maryland Beaches, Maryland

Event narrative

Assateague State Park sent five lifeguards to the Offshore Vehicle (OSV) Maryland section of the Assateague Island National Seashore. The lifeguards responded to a cardiac arrest of a male, approximately 60 years old who was in the water. First Aid was attempted, but they were unable to save him. The man was believed to have drowned and was in the water for an unknown amount of time. There was a high rip current risk at the time along with 4 to 5 foot waves. Given the rough surf, it likely was a combination of surf and exhaustion that led to the cardiac arrest.

Wider weather episode

A man suffered cardiac arrest while in the water at the Offshore Vehicle (OSV) Maryland section of the Assateague Island National Seashore on August 8. Lifeguards attempted first aid but were unable to save him.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1289995. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.