Anna Maria advances with Bean Point swimming restrictions.

On point Beachgoers walk Aug. 27 along the shore at Bean Point in Anna Maria, where the city is considering a no swimming area. Turn to page 11 to read the story. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Key Information

• Location: Bean Point, Anna Maria Island
• Proposed Action: No-swimming area from Fern Street beach access to the northern tip
• Reason: Recent incidents of swimmers caught in rip currents
• Notable Incidents: Rescues involving a 15-year-old and his father (who died later) on Aug. 9, and another father-son rescue on Aug. 12.
• Award Nominations: MCSO deputies nominated for Life Saving Awards
• Next Commission Meeting: Sept. 11, 5:01 p.m. at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive

The waters off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island may soon be designated as a no-swimming area. On August 28, Anna Maria city commissioners reached a consensus to restrict swimming at Bean Point, extending from the Fern Street beach access to the island’s northern tip, following a series of dangerous incidents involving rip currents.

On August 9, a rescue by Sgt. Brett Getman of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the risks—he entered the water to save a 15-year-old caught in a rip current, successfully pulling him to safety. Sadly, the teen’s 45-year-old father was also rescued from the water but suffered a cardiac event and died the following day at a Bradenton hospital.

Another rescue took place on August 12, involving a father and son who also required assistance from MCSO deputy Matt Daugherty. Alongside deputies Vince Bowman and Nate Boggs, who provided shore support during the incidents, these officers have been nominated for MCSO Life Saving Awards.

During an August 14 commission meeting, Mayor Mark Short proposed the creation of a no-swimming zone at Bean Point to enhance safety for both swimmers and first responders faced with the challenges of rip currents. Upon returning to the August 28 commission meeting, Short sought input from the board on his proposal.

He noted that while locals are aware of the hazardous conditions at Bean Point, visitors may not understand the dangers posed by the currents. Commissioner Gary McMullen, a longtime visitor to the island since the 1940s, agreed, recalling that he and his father would only wade knee-deep into the waters while fishing there due to safety concerns.

Commissioner Kathleen Morgan echoed the call for a no-swimming area, emphasizing that beachgoers would have alternative options just a short distance away for safer swimming.

Mayor Short indicated that further logistics need to be determined regarding how to effectively mark and communicate the no-swimming area to beach visitors, whether through signs, buoys, or other means. He committed to collaborating with Manatee County and local first responders to finalize the plan.

The city commission is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday, September 11, at 5:01 p.m. at city hall, located at 10005 Gulf Drive.