Wife Honors Hero Husband Who Saved Children from Rip Current

Emily Jennings is publicly remembering her husband, Ryan Jennings, one week after his death on April 1. He died after entering the ocean to rescue two of their children off Juno Beach, Florida.

Rescue and emergency response

Juno Beach police say Ryan went into the water when his children struggled. Several 911 calls were placed that day.

Officers pulled Ryan back to shore and began CPR. He was unconscious, unresponsive, and not breathing when found.

• Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews took over lifesaving efforts.
• Ryan was transported to a nearby hospital and later pronounced deceased.
• Ocean Rescue lifeguards helped bring four people to shore that day.
• Three of those individuals were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Officials noted the group was not swimming in a guarded area. Conditions included low tide and an onshore east wind. These factors were consistent with possible rip current activity.

Family tribute and memories

In a Facebook statement, Emily said she wanted Ryan’s story told in her own words. She emphasized his kindness and devotion to family.

The wife honors hero sentiment runs through her tribute. She called him a “real life angel” and said he will live on in every life he touched.

They met 12 years ago, when Emily was a single mother in nursing school. On their first date, Ryan brought chocolate chip cookies for her toddler.

Ryan welcomed Emily and her son into his life after she lost housing in a fire. They married, moved to Maine, and had two more children.

The couple recently learned they were expecting again. Emily wrote that Ryan’s greatest love was his family. He was always proud of them.

Struggles overcome and lasting impact

Emily described Ryan’s past struggle with addiction to prescription pain medication. He recovered and later helped others facing addiction.

She said thousands of messages came after his death. Many credited Ryan with changing their lives for the better.

She and others called him the husband who saved children and a person who saved many lives during his recovery work.

Safety reminder

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue emphasized the importance of swimming at guarded beaches. Lifeguards can spot hazardous surf and rip current formation early.

The department said lifeguards help reduce risks before incidents occur. The agency urged beachgoers to prioritize safety.

Emily closed her public message hoping their story inspires love, courage, and kindness. She said she feels him all around her, and that he will always be their dad.