CITY OF SANIBEL The city of Sanibel installed additional signage throughout Blind Pass in the days after the drowning of Isaac Breese, 17, of Cape Coral. First responders were able to rescue two other teens in the incident.

Following the recent drowning of a local teen and the rescue of two others at Blind Pass, island authorities have taken additional measures to make the area safer, plus offered tips for beach-goers.

The remains of missing swimmer Isaac Breese, 17, of Cape Coral, were recovered on July 4 by the Sanibel Police Department — two days after a call came in about three swimmers in distress. Over the two days, the SPD, both island fire districts and several area agencies searched for the missing teen.

First responders were able to save another boy and a girl, both about 17 and also local residents.

In the days after the incident, the city of Sanibel — which has jurisdiction over the Blind Pass Beach parking lot and the beach on the east side of the Blind Pass bridge — installed additional signage.

Sanibel Public Information Officer Eric Jackson explained that there was a posted “Warning — No Swimming — Dangerous Current” sign located along the path from the parking lot to the beach.

CITY OF SANIBEL The city of Sanibel installed additional signage throughout Blind Pass in the days after the drowning of Isaac Breese, 17, of Cape Coral. First responders were able to rescue two other teens in the incident.

“There was a sign there,” he said. “It was marked.”

In response to the incident, however, the city has installed four more signs throughout the area that state the same message as the original one. One is now located near the bicycle rack, another is along an unofficial beach path that people created over time through usage, one is situated at the base of the bridge for those crossing over from Captiva and the last one is nearby but farther down the channel.

“The city has put in additional signs,” Jackson said. “They’re all the same, say the same thing.”

Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained that Blind Pass is a safety hazard for swimmers because it is a pass. It is an inlet, a body of water moving from one side to the other.

“Generally speaking, swimming in any type of pass or inlet is not safe,” he said.

CITY OF SANIBEL The city of Sanibel installed additional signage throughout Blind Pass in the days after the drowning of Isaac Breese, 17, of Cape Coral. First responders were able to rescue two other teens in the incident.

There are several safety concerns in doing so.

“The biggest one is the tidal flow that goes through there is so strong it’s going to be difficult to swim — whether that’s in or out,” Pawul said, noting that the current traveling under the bridge changes direction based on whether it is outgoing or incoming tide.

“There’s always a lot sea life in those areas and during certain tides of the day, like dawn and dusk, is when a lot of those animals tend to feed,” he added, pointing to recent reports about shark attacks. “Hence, why there’s all the fishermen on the bridge and the shoreline.”

The islands’ fire districts are familiar with the safety concerns associated with Blind Pass.

“We have had other fatalities, but it has been awhile,” Pawul said. “We’ve had quite a few rescues.”

“It’s definitely not the first time,” he added.

In addition to swimmers, people on floating rafts have gotten caught in the current, along with paddle boarders and kayakers. On Boca Grande, a boat recently picked up a person on a floatation device.

“All these passes and inlets in Southwest Florida have the same danger and risks,” Pawul said.

He offered some do’s and don’ts if such a situation arises.

“If you get caught in any type of current, whether it’s a tidal flow or rip current, the first thing you need to do is relax. The current is not going to pull you under,” he said, noting that people are a lot more buoyant in saltwater than in freshwater, which is something visitors to the islands may not be aware of.

“Don’t swim against the current, rather try to swim out of the current,” Pawul said, explaining that people should swim parallel or perpendicular to the shore. “Swim right or left to get to calmer water.”

“If you can’t, the best thing to do is to conserve energy,” he said. “Float and tread water — and wave your hands in the air.”

Pawul also offered tips for those on the beach who see a swimmer in trouble.

“If you see someone in distress, call 911,” he said. “We’d rather get there and there not be an emergency than the other way around.”

And remember: Reach, Throw, Row, Go.

– Reach: Reach for the victim or extend an object to reach them and pull them to safety.

– Throw: If the victim is too far away, throw them something that floats; the current may catch it.

– Row: Go to the victim using a boat, kayak or paddle board.

– Go: Go in after them. Swimmers without lifesaving training should not go to a victim.

“I always say don’t go unless you’re a trained professional,” Pawul said. “Rarely does that work out.”

Additionally, he provided the following basic beach safety tips for the public:

– Make sure you are a competent swimmer and do not swim alone in the Gulf of Mexico.

– Keep a close eye on children, even those just on the shoreline.

– Be aware of the weather and any hazardous conditions, especially in the summer in Florida.

– Generally, alcohol and water do not mix.

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District also released the following safety tips:

– Never swim alone; always have a buddy.

– Keep a close eye on children and inexperienced swimmers.

– Be cautious of strong currents and rip tides.

– Wear a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer.

It noted that the public can borrow life jackets for free from Fire Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel. People can simply stop in and talk to a staffer for them, then return them later.

As for Blind Pass, Pawul has reached out to the city in hopes of discussing the situation.

“It seems like the majority of the calls that have originated in the area have come from the Sanibel side. I think it’s just because that side seems more inviting as a beach atmosphere,” he said, pointing to the nice, big sandy beachfront conveniently located near the parking lot. “Captiva’s side is a big rock jetty.”

Pawul explained that he would like to explore potential additional measures with the city, as it has jurisdiction, to make the area as safe as possible. He cited more public education as one option.