Six-time parents Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishart, 48, experienced an unexpected tragedy during their first family vacation in Florida.

While they and two of their children were swimming off Hutchinson Island on June 20, a horrible incident occurred. Though the teenagers managed to save themselves, Brian and Erica were abandoned to the powerful ocean currents.

As soon as rescue personnel arrived, work was underway. But in spite of everything they tried, a nearby hospital sadly declared Brian and Erica dead since there was nothing more that could be done.

The day the couple drowned, the water conditions were very treacherous. According to Cory Pippen of Martin County Fire Rescue, red flags were flown around the beach to alert swimmers to the potentially dangerous riptide conditions. The purpose of these flags is to warn beachgoers about potential water hazards, such as strong rip currents.