ANNA MARIA, Fla. (WFLA) — Temporary “no swim” signs are now displayed at a section of Bean Point Beach as city officials, Manatee County, and law enforcement collaborate to establish a permanent agreement to limit swimming in this part of the beach, stated Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short.
Mayor Short emphasized that the signs and proposed swim ban would affect only a 300-yard stretch.
“It’s just the very tip of Bean Point where the tides from Tampa Bay are treacherous,” Short explained.
The city decided last week to post the signs after the area experienced six drowning incidents in August, including two fatalities.
Most recently, a 20-year-old man drowned after getting caught in a riptide, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Short added that while residents know the dangers, visitors may not.
“It’s a very quick drop-off in terms of the depth, and then you throw on top of that the very fast currents that you cannot see,” Short said.
Summer Whitton, a resident of nearby Bradenton, said he takes precautions when entering the water.
“It’s probably best to stay safe and just sunbathe and, you know, maybe just dip your toes in the water,” Whitton said.
Short noted that an emergency ordinance is an action item on the agenda for the City Commission’s meeting on Thursday, Sept. 11.
The ordinance would ban swimming and certain water activities on Bean Point until a permanent agreement with the county is reached.
