Swimmer drowns while headed back to shore

LAKE WALES - An afternoon swim for two cousins ended in tragedy Sunday after one of the cousins drowned in water.

Wilfrido Bartolon was taking a dip in the water to cool off with his cousin, Carlos Perez around 4:40 p.m., as they had done many Sundays before. 

According to Lake Wales police the two cousins swam out a little too far.

When the two decided to head, back Wilfrido slipped under water.

Perez turned back when he realized Bartolon wasn't near him any more and could not find his cousin.

Other family members called police.

Officers arrived along with a Lake Wales Fire crew who dove in to look for Bartolon.

Officers searched for 45 minutes without finding Bartolon.

Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to assist in the search with their dive team.

The dive team finally was able to locate Bartolon's body around 7:15 p.m.

Police do not suspect any foul play was involved in the drowning.