Oh wow, that post from his brother pretty much settles it in my mind. Drowning in the ocean would be a terrifying way to die, even for someone who loves to swim. When I was younger I had a similar "pull" to go swimming anytime I was near an ocean, often further out than what was safe for my swimming ability. Then I moved to the beach and had one scary incident with a rip tide, and have been much more cautious ever since. Swimming in the ocean at night is exhilarating though, and I can definitely see how he would be tempted, especially after a few drinks. Some surfers told me the best thing to do if caught in a riptide is to relax into it, which goes against the body's urge to fight. But if he was tipsy, and it was dark, and no one was around, I imagine he would have panicked and gotten pulled further down/away. I hope his family has answers some day. 
