Benjamin ‘Ben’ James King, a 51-year-old attorney from New Prague, Minnesota, met a heartbreaking end during a family vacation in Puerto Rico, what happened?.
What Happened to 51-Year-old Benjamin ‘Ben’ James King?
Benjamin ‘Ben’ James King, a 51-year-old attorney from New Prague, Minnesota, tragically drowned during a family vacation in Puerto Rico. The incident occurred after a surfing lesson at La Pared beach in Luquillo, where King was wading in chest-deep water and began to struggle against the strong riptide. A tourist managed to rescue King and bring him back to shore, but despite the efforts of tourists and medics, King could not be revived. He was rushed to the nearest hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
He was born on March 24, 1972, in Milwaukee, King moved to Green Bay and then Madison, Wisconsin, before settling in New Prague about 20 years ago. He graduated from Madison Memorial High School in 1990, earned his political science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995, and later obtained his Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law in 1999 and a Master of Business Administration from St. Thomas University in 2000.
King’s professional career began at BF Goodrich Aerospace, followed by law clerking for Judge Timothy McManus, and he worked as an associate attorney at Gavin, Olson, Savre & Winters. He spent over 15 years practicing law at Christian, Keogh, Moran & King as an Assistant County Attorney for Le Sueur County and represented numerous private clients. He also served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Minnesota Board of Public Defense, First Judicial District.
King was remembered as a devoted father, deeply invested in being the best parent to his children, Aidan and Molly. His obituary highlighted his dedication to his family, his professionalism in the legal field, and his passion for sports, particularly cheering on the New Prague High School Trojans and coaching his daughters’ sports teams. King’s love for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies, including fishing and hunting, which he enjoyed with friends and family.
His death has sparked discussions about water safety, with local organizations in Puerto Rico calling for the establishment of a lifeguard corps. This comes after at least five tourist drownings on the island this year, with strong riptides being a common hazard on some of the beaches frequented by visitors. The local tourism authority of Puerto Rico has reinforced its ‘Watch the Waves’ initiative, aimed at educating visitors about the maritime conditions on the island.
King’s funeral is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Friday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. His death marks the fifth tourist drowning on the Caribbean island this year, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Despite the majority of rip current drownings in the United States occurring in Florida, they can happen anywhere, including in Puerto Rico. The incident underscores the importance of being aware of the risks associated with swimming in areas known for strong currents.
Benjamin ‘Ben’ James King Wife, & Children Morns Him?
Benjamin ‘Ben’ James King’s wife, Scott County District Court Judge Colleen G. King, is a legal professional who has served in the judicial system. The couple’s children are Aidan and Molly. The obituary highlights their strong bond, emphasizing their love, partnership, and mutual respect. Colleen G. King’s family is from the New Prague area, and she has been involved in the legal community, likely contributing to the close-knit community in New Prague. The family’s involvement in sports, particularly cheering on the New Prague High School Trojans, and Ben’s coaching of the girls’ sports teams, reflects their active and supportive family life.
This tragic event is one of at least five such deaths this year on the Caribbean island, highlighting the dangers of swimming in areas known for strong currents.
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What Steps Can Tourism Authorities Take To Improve Water Safety On Beaches Frequented By Visitors?
To Improve Water Safety On Beaches Frequented By Visitors, Tourism Authorities Can Take Several Proactive Steps:
- Educate Visitors: Implement educational programs that inform visitors about the risks associated with swimming in certain areas, especially those with strong currents or riptides. This can include signs, brochures, and interactive displays at beaches and tourist information centers.
- Installation of Safety Signs and Markers: Place clear and visible signs indicating the presence of strong currents or riptides. These signs should be placed in areas where visitors are most likely to enter the water and should provide guidance on what to do in case of an emergency.
- Provide Lifeguard Services: Ensure that lifeguards are present on beaches with known hazards. Lifeguards can provide real-time safety information, perform rescues, and educate visitors on water safety practices.
- Develop and Enforce Water Safety Regulations: Create and enforce regulations that require visitors to adhere to water safety guidelines. This can include rules on swimming in designated areas, wearing life jackets, and not swimming alone.
- Promote Safe Water Activities: Encourage visitors to engage in water activities that are safer, such as swimming in designated areas, using flotation devices, and staying within the sight of lifeguards.
- Collaborate with Local Communities: Work closely with local communities to address water safety concerns. This can involve partnering with local schools, non-profit organizations, and community groups to raise awareness and promote water safety practices.
- Implement Technology Solutions: Utilize technology solutions, such as smartphone apps and wearable devices, to provide real-time safety information and emergency alerts to visitors.
- Conduct Regular Safety Inspections: Regularly inspect beaches for safety hazards and ensure that all safety equipment and signs are in good condition and clearly visible.
- Provide Emergency Response Training: Train local emergency response teams on water safety protocols and how to respond to emergencies involving water-related incidents.
- Promote Water Safety in Tourism Marketing: Incorporate water safety messages into tourism marketing materials to ensure that visitors are aware of the importance of water safety from the outset.
By implementing these steps, tourism authorities can significantly reduce the risk of water-related accidents and ensure the safety of visitors on beaches.
