Heroic Maine father dies saving his children from rip current during Florida family vacation

A heroic father from Maine was killed while he rescued two of his children who were caught in a strong rip current during a family trip to Florida.

Ryan Jennings, 46, from Cumberland County, was visiting his parents in South Florida with his wife and their three children when the tragedy occurred.

The family had traveled to Palm Beach County’s Juno Beach on Wednesday afternoon when Jennings noticed his 12-year-old stepson and 9-year-old daughter struggling in the water and raced to save them, his grieving wife, Emily, wrote in a heartbreaking tribute to Facebook.

Ryan Jennings was killed as he rescued his two older children from dangerous waters during a family vacation in South Florida on April 1, 2026.
Ryan Jennings was killed as he rescued his two older children from dangerous waters during a family vacation in South Florida on April 1, 2026.GoFundMe
“Ryan lost his battle yesterday, saving our children from a rip current,” she wrote. “He threw Jax to safety to get help and held up my Charlie above water until someone could get to them. His last gift to me was returning my children alive. Our hero, like always.”

“My soulmate and my best friend – I never want to be away from you. I always hoped I would leave before you so I never had to spend a day without you. I can’t believe this is where I am at. Our love is one that most people never find,” she added.

The incident happened at around 3:25 p.m. as the family was swimming in an area not overlooked by lifeguards, the Bangor Daily News reported, citing Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

First responders rushed to the treacherous waters, securing the children, but were unable to save their father.

Jennings’ death is being ruled a drowning.

Officials noted that the water conditions had the potential to develop rip currents.

“This incident underscores the importance of swimming at guarded beaches, where trained lifeguards can identify hazardous conditions, including rough surf and rip current formation, helping to reduce the risk of incidents before they happen,” the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue told WMTW.

Ryan Jennings was remembered by his wife in a heartbreaking tribute after his death.
Ryan Jennings was remembered by his wife in a heartbreaking tribute after his death.GoFundMe

A family of five, including two adults and three children, posing in a garden with a pond and bridge in the background.
Ryan and Emily Jennings had learned they were pregnant with their fourth child just before the drowning.GoFundMe
Family friend Geraldine Ollila remembered Jennings as a “loving father” to his children.

“Ryan was not only Emily’s soul mate, but also a loving father and friend to many. His heroic actions are a testament to the kind of person he was, and his loss leaves a tremendous void in the lives of everyone who knew him,” Ollila wrote in GoFundMe crowdfunding page.

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Emily revealed that the couple had learned she was pregnant with the couple’s fourth child before the tragedy.

“On another entirely vulnerable note, Ryan and I just recently found out we are expecting our 4th child. There is such sadness and such enormous light at the possibility of bringing another little Rye life into this world,” she said.

“Right now I’m not really sure how to go on ever again. I guess second by second. Trying to support our beautiful children, while missing you with my entire being,” Emily added.