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We're hearing from the executive director of an organization that promotes water sports in the St Johns river following a tragic drowning of a local teen Wednesday.
Jim Alabiso is the executive director of Jumpingfish and swims regularly in the St. Johns River.
We asked him for his expert opinion after learning two teens jumped off a dock near the Reddie Point Preserve Park.
It was a jump that ended the life of 18-year-old Rueben Dachoute.
Alabiso says anyone that wants to swim in the St Johns River should heed certain factors about swimming in open water versus a swimming pool.
"They need to consider the tide and they need to consider the direction of the tide and velocity of the tide."
A fisherman who witnessed the incident first-hand tells WOKV the current was too strong to save Dachoute
"The young gentleman tried to get the other young gentleman out after he started screaming for help. Like I say, he lost his grip on him and he went under."
Police say they've contacted his next of kin.
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