THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL)-- Almost a week after the search for a missing boy is called off, a Thomasville family is still seeking closure.
11-year-old Na'im Boykin visited Little Talbot Island near Jacksonville with his father Saturday, as a reward for winning the "Eagle Award" at J.K Harper Elementary School.
The family trip would soon turn tragic, as Na'im's father, Diwani Boykin, watched the young boy get swept away by a current.
Na'im was wading in the water to collect sea shells, when he disappeared into the surf.
Diwani Boykin and a bystander jumped in the water after Na'im, but the current was too strong to reach him.
Officials from at least 4 different agencies worked to find the boy. The Florida Wildlife Commission found 3 different reading on their scanners while surveying the water, but none turned out to be Boykin.
The search for Na'im Boykin's body was called off Sunday.
And the National Weather Service offers several tips to keep you safe this summer at the beaches:
1. Know the Risks: Familiarize yourself with the Florida beach flag system.
2. Swim Near Lifeguards: The U.S Lifesaving Association estimates the chance of drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards is just 1 in 18 million.
3. Never Swim Alone: Be sure someone knows where you are in the water and can spot you if there is trouble.
4. Learn How to Swim: You should know how to swim and be familiar with how to swim out of a rip current before tackling high tides. If you're not a strong swimmer, wear a lifevest.
