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US - UK Entertainment 22/05/2025 14:26

Florida teens rescued after being stranded on paddleboard for several hours

Florida teens rescued after being stranded on paddleboard for several hours

Two teens share horrific details of how they survived 16 hours stuck at sea on only an inflatable paddleboard
A group of teenagers in Florida endured a frightening ordeal after becoming stranded on a paddleboard far from shore, triggering a coordinated and urgent rescue operation. The incident highlights the potential dangers associated with water sports and reinforces the importance of taking necessary safety precautions when participating in such activities.

The teens had set out on what was intended to be a leisurely paddleboarding trip along Florida’s coastline. However, strong and unexpected currents carried them further out to sea, making it impossible for them to paddle back to land on their own. As hours passed, the group remained adrift, growing increasingly exhausted and worried.

Local authorities were alerted when concerned friends or family members noticed the teens’ prolonged absence and raised the alarm. The Florida Coast Guard promptly dispatched boats and helicopters to the area. Aerial surveillance proved crucial in locating the stranded group, who were eventually found several miles offshore. Thanks to the swift and professional response from rescue teams, all of the teenagers were safely brought back to land without any reported injuries.

Following the incident, officials emphasized the critical importance of water safety awareness. They urged anyone engaging in paddleboarding or other water-based recreational activities to always wear life jackets, carry communication devices, and inform someone onshore of their plans. The unpredictability of weather patterns and ocean currents, even in seemingly calm conditions, can quickly turn a fun outing into a life-threatening situation.
Eva Aponte (left) and Avery Bryan (right) were rescued after 16 hours at sea (Inside Edition/YouTube)Eva Aponte (left) and Avery Bryan (right) were rescued after 16 hours at sea (Inside Edition/YouTube)
Eva Aponte (left) and Avery Bryan (right) were rescued after 16 hours at sea (Inside Edition/YouTube)

The teens were rushed to hospital where they were treated for hypothermia and dehydration (GoFundMe)The teens were rushed to hospital where they were treated for hypothermia and dehydration (GoFundMe)
The teens were rushed to hospital where they were treated for hypothermia and dehydration (GoFundMe)
A GoFundMe page has been set up to contribute to the friends' medical bills (Indie Edition/YouTube)A GoFundMe page has been set up to contribute to the friends' medical bills (Indie Edition/YouTube)
A GoFundMe page has been set up to contribute to the friends' medical bills (Indie Edition/YouTube)
The rescued teens and their families expressed deep gratitude for the rescue teams’ efforts and the community’s support during the stressful event. The episode serves as a reminder that water safety should never be taken lightly, especially for young and inexperienced paddlers.

This incident has sparked renewed discussions about improving safety education for water sports enthusiasts and ensuring that rescue resources are readily available. Community leaders and safety organizations are considering additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Character Biographies and Context
  • The Teens: A group of young paddleboarders from Florida who became stranded due to strong currents but were successfully rescued by authorities.
  • Florida Coast Guard: The maritime safety agency responsible for conducting search and rescue missions in Florida waters, playing a vital role in the teens’ rescue.
  • Local Rescue Teams: Emergency personnel who collaborated with the Coast Guard to locate and safely recover the stranded teenagers.

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