Headline Surfer photos / TOP LEFT: A beachgoer is shown walking along the shoreline via a screenshot from the Dunlawton Avenue ramp beach cam on Thursday afternoon in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. TOP RIGHT: Heriberto Robinson, 65, of Clermont, is shown in an undated family photo. Robinson drowned Saturday afternoon when he and his 16-year-old son, not shown here, were caught in a dangerous rip current. Only the teen survived. A GoFundMe account has been set up (see details in the story below).
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. -- A 65-year-old Clermont man and his son were caught in dangerous rip currents over the weekend while swimming in an unguarded section of the beach.
The man drowned, but his 16-year-old son survived the ordeal.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred: On Saturday, Oct. 18, just before 2 p.m., Volusia County Beach Safety responded to reports of two swimmers in distress in the 2200 block area of Daytona Beach Shores.
Upon arrival, beach safety personnel found a 65-year-old man, Heriberto Robinson, and his son had been caught in a rip current while swimming in an unguarded section of the beach.
Responders brought the son safely to shore. The 65-year-old swimmer was located unresponsive, and lifeguards immediately began lifesaving measures. The individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
"Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," Tamra Malphurs, the director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, told Headline Surfer on Thursday. "Red flags were flying at the time, indicating hazardous rip current conditions, which continue along the Volusia County coastline."
Beach Safety reminds all beachgoers to always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower, Malphurs stressed as a first line of defense.
"Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," Tamra Malphurs, the director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, told Headline Surfer on Thursday. "Red flags were flying at the time, indicating hazardous rip current conditions, which continue along the Volusia County coastline."
Beach Safety reminds all beachgoers to always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower, Malphurs stressed as a first line of defense.
She said hazardous surf and rip current conditions are expected to continue throughout the week. Beachgoers are strongly advised to check daily surf conditions before entering the water and to always swim in front of a lifeguard.
You can find out staffed lifeguard tower locations by downloading the Volusia Beaches app.
This was the second drowning in the last few weeks locally due to rip currents: Volusia County Beach Safety: Drowning victim in Daytona Beach identified as Douglas Lewis, 51, of Westfield, Indiana.
Obituary: Heriberto Robinson, beloved father and grandfather
Heriberto Robinson tragically passed away on Oct. 18, 225, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family.
Heriberto was a dedicated father to his adult daughter Tatiana, and his younger children Eriana and Zyan. He also cherished the role of being a grandfather to his beloved grandson, Bishop.
In his retirement years, Heriberto focused on raising his two younger children, providing them with care, protection, and constant love. His presence was central to their lives, and his passing has left a profound impact on his family, particularly his children, who have now lost their primary caregiver.
A heartfelt message from Tatiana Robinson, his daughter, shared on social media, expressed the family's immense grief. "We are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time, to help cover funeral expenses and provide care for the children Heriberto adored," Tatiana wrote.
GoFundMe account set up
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist with funeral and memorial expenses and to offer some financial relief for the family.
The family and community continue to remember Heriberto’s life and will share further details about the memorial services soon.
For Donation: Click Here (GoFundMe)
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