Father dies saving children from rip current in Florida

Ryan Jennings is being remembered as a husband, father, and hero after giving his life to save his children.

(NBC)- A family vacation turned into tragedy after a father died while rescuing his children from dangerous ocean conditions in Palm Beach County.

Ryan Jennings is being remembered as a husband, father, and hero after giving his life to save his children from a powerful rip current.

“He was like my real-life hero, just as he was for everybody else—so of course that’s the way that he dies,” said his wife, Emily Jennings.

According to authorities, Jennings was at the beach with his family when he saw his 12-year-old son, Jax, and 9-year-old daughter, Charlie, struggling in the water.

Without hesitation, the father of three rushed in to help.

Emily says Jennings was able to reach the children and keep them afloat—but at a devastating cost.

“He was holding up Charlie, but he was ingesting a ton of water. Charlie said the last thing he said was to make sure she floated on her back,” she said.

When first responders arrived, they found Jennings unconscious near the shoreline, with bystanders attempting to pull him to safety.

Emergency responders reported a 36-year-old man pulled from the water in cardiac arrest. Jennings later died at the hospital.

Officials warn that rip currents can move as fast as eight feet per second—strong enough to overpower even experienced swimmers.

The danger was evident across South Florida during a busy spring break weekend.

In Fort Lauderdale alone, more than 100 rescues were reported as swimmers struggled in rough surf.

Jennings’ death leaves behind a grieving family—and a growing one. Emily revealed the couple was expecting their fourth child.

“I don’t know where I go from here. I’m scared,” she said.

Despite the unimaginable loss, she says she wants her husband to be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice.