LBK Fire Chief Paul Dezzi warns in certain spots – near inlets, piers and sandbars – the currents can be fierce.

Within minutes, a strong rip tide pulled the toddler and his father quickly offshore. The father attempted to stay close to the toddler but was quickly running out of energy.

An afternoon swim on Longboat Key quickly turned into a dangerous situation when two children and an adult were swept into a rip current off of New Pass on south Longboat Key.