‘Saw him go off into the water:’ Mom says missing swimmer was playing with her kids on Neptune Beach

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — A local woman is sharing her account after a swimmer went missing in Neptune Beach while attempting to save three individuals from the water Saturday night.

The incident unfolded in the ocean near Lemon Street in Neptune Beach. Mykhalio Myroshnychenko, a 19-year-old, was reported missing Tuesday night, according to the Neptune Beach Police Department.

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Nikisha Jackson, a person who was on the beach that night, revealed that the missing swimmer had been playing with Jackson’s three children on the sand. When he noticed people in distress, he immediately entered the water in an attempt to save them.

“They said all of a sudden they saw him go off into the water,” Jackson said.

READ: Missing swimmer identified by Neptune Beach police

The Neptune Beach Police Department confirmed that the victim had been trying to rescue an adult and two children who were struggling in a rip current. Fortunately, the distressed individuals managed to make it back to shore safely. However, Myroshnychenko went missing in the process.

Earlier this morning, authorities discovered a body matching the description of the missing swimmer. However, an official identification has not yet been made.

Jackson’s children, who witnessed the entire incident, provided their accounts. They explained that the victim had ventured too far into the deep water.

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In light of this tragic event, Maxwell Ervanian, from Jax Beach Ocean and Rescue, emphasized the importance of promptly alerting authorities when encountering someone struggling in the water.

“We really have to stress heavily to all bathers and beachgoers that whenever they see someone in distress in the water, they should remain calm, call 911, and keep their eyes on the swimmers,” Ervanian said.

As the investigation continues, local authorities encourage beachgoers to prioritize their safety and reach out to trained professionals in case of emergencies.

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