Galveston drowning: 19-year-old Honduran woman dies at Galveston beach
GALVESTON, Texas - A 19-year-old Honduran woman, who was living in Houston, has died after she began struggling in the water in Galveston, officials said.
According to authorities, a 911 call was received related to a woman being pulled from the water and 76th and Seawall Boulevard, around 6;30 a.m. Sunday morning.
SUGGESTED: Galveston riptide kills Louisiana man who became trapped, drowned
Witnesses reported that the 19-year-old woman, who has been identified as Yamileth Ramirez, was body surfing with her brother when she began struggling in the water.
"The woman started having problems. The man was trying to help her. The bystander came in and started CPR on her," said Peter Davis, the chief of the Galveston County Beach Patrol.
Officials said her brother and a bystander pulled her to shore and started CPR.
Emergency responders arrived, provided advanced life support, and transferred Ramirez to John Sealy Emergency Room, where she was pronounced dead.
This is the second death in the last 48 hours on Galveston beaches after a 26-year-old man from Louisiana had to be rescued due to rip currents.
Officials said red flag conditions are expected to persist throughout the weekend and swimmers are asked to swim near a lifeguard, stay far from any structure, such as a pier or jetty, and avoid swimming at the ends of the island.
"We’re looking at pretty extreme conditions for a big holiday weekend," said Davis.
Due to the extremely rough conditions and strong rip currents, adults who are good swimmers should not go beyond their waist and children and poor or non-swimmers should not enter the water.
The beach patrol is now sharing tips to keep people safe during a rip current.
"If you’re ever caught in one, really knowing that it won’t pull you under, just pulls you out. If you just relax and float, if you’re able to yell for help, great. If not, just stay there until someone gets there to help you," said Davis.
For more information on swimming safety tips, click here.
