Leading federal meteorologist drowns in rough N.Carolina surf forecasters had warned about

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The director of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration division for predicting weather died Monday in North Carolina while swimming in dangerous conditions that federal forecasters had warned about.

William Lapenta, head of the NOAA‘s National Centers for Environmental Prediction, drowned Monday while swimming at Pelican Way beach in the town of Duck, according to a statement from the town's director of public information, Christian Legner.

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An off-duty ocean rescue supervisor spotted Lapenta, 58, struggling in the ocean, and lifeguards responded within minutes to pull the scientist from the water, the statement said. He was unresponsive.

Emergency responders tried to save Lapenta, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Monday’s surf conditions and a rip current in the area were likely a factor" in Lapenta's drowning, the town's statement said.

The National Weather Service, which oversees the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, warned earlier Monday of a high risk of rip currents along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, saying "the surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers."

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RIP, I guess he could not duck death after not heeding warnings. Would be alive if he practiced what he preached.