GALVESTON – Galveston Island Beach Patrol, along with Galveston EMS, the Galveston Fire Department, and the Galveston Police Department, responded Saturday afternoon to reports of a paddleboarder in distress in the Gulf, near 94th Street.

Beach Patrol and Fire Department personnel located and pulled the man from the water shortly before 2 p.m. First responders initiated CPR, and the victim was transported to UTMB, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Witnesses reported that the man had been paddleboarding for nearly two hours before the incident occurred.

Red flags were posted Saturday, indicating strong currents and large waves. Galveston Island Beach Patrol reminds beachgoers to remain close to shore, swim near lifeguard towers, and always stay within their abilities.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.