**British Grandfather Drowns in Florida: Coroner Raises Concerns Over Lack of Beach Safety Flags**
A British holidaymaker lost his life after getting caught in a riptide while swimming off a beach in Florida that reportedly did not have visible sea safety flags. The inquest into the tragic death of Mark Gosling, aged 74, heard that his passing has now prompted calls for improved safety measures on US beaches.
Mark Gosling, originally from Lymington in the New Forest, Hampshire, was visiting Anna Maria Island in Florida with his wife, Caroline, when the incident occurred during their holiday in May 2024. The couple had set out for a routine morning stroll along the shoreline, a pastime they regularly enjoyed together.
According to a statement from Mrs Gosling, shared at Winchester Coroner’s Court, her husband entered the water for a swim while she watched from a bench nearby. As he ventured further into the sea, Mrs Gosling became concerned when she noticed his sudden movements and saw him struggle in the surf. She recounted, “His head went back, and he turned upside down.” Despite Mr Gosling’s competence as a swimmer and lifelong experience as a sailor, it appears he was unexpectedly overpowered by the dangerous current.
In the critical moments that followed, Mrs Gosling sought assistance. An onlooker bravely entered the water to pull Mr Gosling to shore and attempted to resuscitate him before emergency services arrived. Sadly, despite their best efforts, Mr Gosling was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
A key issue raised during the inquest was the lack of visible safety flags to warn swimmers about hazardous sea conditions. Mrs Gosling explained that the only notice of sea conditions was located much further up the beach, not in the area where they had chosen to stay. She told the court that more visible and frequent placement of such warnings might help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp confirmed that a post-mortem examination carried out in Florida attributed Mr Gosling’s death to drowning. Recording the event as a case of accidental death, she stated her intention to contact authorities in Florida to express the family’s safety concerns. While acknowledging her inability to issue a formal prevention of future deaths report outside the UK, the coroner voiced her hope that an official letter might prompt a review of beach safety measures, including the provision of additional warning flags along vulnerable stretches of coast.
Further details from the inquest painted a portrait of Mr Gosling as an active and much-loved family man. Born in Malta during his parents’ Royal Navy posting, Mark later built a career as a naval architect and went on to work within the marine industry and finance before retiring. His wife described him as someone who was “kind, loving and loved,” with a zest for life and a dedication to staying active.
Mr Gosling had faced health challenges, including a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2020, an aortic valve replacement, and more recently, Alzheimer’s disease. However, the coroner noted that he remained generally fit leading up to the incident, motivated by the belief that one should make the most of life while able.
In a statement read during the inquest, the couple’s daughter, Lucie Gosling-Myers, reflected on her father’s character, saying, “He never wanted to be a burden and always wanted quality of life.” The family said they were doing their best to view the tragedy as an act of kindness, given Mr Gosling’s wishes.
While the coroner’s letter remains a gesture with uncertain impact, the Gosling family’s loss serves as a powerful reminder to holidaymakers and beach authorities alike about the importance of visible, effective coastal safety measures. Their experience highlights the potential dangers even experienced swimmers can face and raises questions about the shared international responsibilities for tourist safety.