Ohio visitor dies after being pulled from water near Isle of Palms

ISLE OF PALMS — A 41-year-old man visiting from Ohio died died July 21 after being pulled from the water unresponsive, police Sgt. Matthew Storen said.

The incident happened just before 2 p.m. Members of the Isle of Palms fire and police departments performed CPR on the man, who has not been publicly named, before Charleston County EMS took him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Storen said.

Storen added that "ocean conditions can change quickly,” said Storen, who reminded beachgoers to check daily conditions before swimming.

“If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm, swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the current, then make your way back to shore,” he said. “If you can’t escape, float, tread water, and signal for help. If you are not an experienced swimmer use a buddy system, and do not wade deep into the water."

There was a brisk wind July 21 with gusts up to 20 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS surf forecast for the afternoon warned of a "moderate risk" for rip currents. Waves were described as choppy with surf height of 3 to 4 feet.