Dad 'threw five-year-old son into the ocean' to teach him to swim

A man has been arrested after allegedly throwing his five-year-old son into the ocean to teach him how to swim.

John Bloodsworth, 37, from Florida was arrested on child abuse charges, he reportedly told police he was “going to jail for being awesome”.

Witnesses said the five-year-old was struggling to tread water while Bloodsworth reportedly left the child to do backflips from the pier.

One witness told the Daytona Beach News Journal the child was left alone in the water for about 12 to 15 minutes.

Florida man has been arrested on child abuse charges after he threw his child in the ocean to teach him how to swim. Source: AP / Getty
Florida man has been arrested on child abuse charges after he threw his child in the ocean to teach him how to swim. Source: AP / Getty

Another witness said Bloodsworth walked into the water, threw the child in and while the child tried to make his way to shore, Bloodsworth yelled “go back”.

In addition to the aggravated abuse of a child charge, Bloodsworth was also charged with disorderly intoxication and swimming within 300 feet of the pier.

Bloodsworth has been released from jail after posting bail, according to AP, the child has been turned over to his mother.

He was also issued a trespass notice after he said he would be “coming back to the pier to jump off every day”.

He also said he would bring his daughter to jump off the pier with him next time.

– with AP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.