Rough waves blamed for Fla. swimmer's death

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tbo.com
Published: August 23, 2009

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH --

Florida officials say a 54-year-old swimmer died in rough waves fueled by Hurricane Bill.

Volusia County Beach Patrol Capt. Scott Petersohn says Angel Rosa of Orlando washed ashore unconscious Saturday afternoon on New Smyrna Beach.

Autopsy results are pending. Petersohn says Rosa's death was suspected to be storm-related.

According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, the hurricane moving up the East Coast produced strong rip currents and large waves off Volusia County shores Saturday.

Lifeguards reported waves 10 feet and higher, and Petersohn says Rosa "wouldn't have been out there trying to bodysurf unless the waves were really big."

Petersohn says lifeguards also rescued a handful of other swimmers with suspected spinal injuries.