OCRACOKE, N.C. (AP) -- A union leader from Ohio has drowned at Ocracoke Island along North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Policy Matters Ohio identified the victim as Seth Rosen of Westlake, vice president of District 4 of the Communications Workers of America. Rosen was chairman of the board of Policy Matters Ohio.

Hyde County spokeswoman Jamie Carter says emergency officials got the call about 5 p.m. Friday. She says the victim, whom she didn't identify, was swimming with his wife, who got to shore safely.

Carter says a rip current alert was issued for Thursday but not for Friday. However, she says emergency responders reported the water was rough when they arrived.

Friends and family told Policy Matters Ohio that the tide came in with strong waves and a powerful undertow.