Recently, tragedy struck Panama City Beach as three swimmers lost their lives in a devastating accident. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in seemingly calm waters. The victims were identified as two men and one woman, all in their early 20s, who were caught in a rip current while swimming near the shore.
Rip currents are powerful and fast-moving channels of water that can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. Despite warning signs posted along the beach, these individuals may have underestimated the strength of the current and paid the ultimate price for their mistake. It is crucial for beachgoers to educate themselves on water safety and always heed warnings from lifeguards.
The three young men, all from Alabama, arrived in Panama City Beach Friday afternoon and soon after went swimming. They were reported missing, having been last seen behind Watercress Condominiums at 6201 Thomas Drive between the first and second sand bar near Schooners restaurant.
Walton, Bay, Gulf and Franklin County beaches were under an advisory on Friday night around the time the men died.
"Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the NWS said.
"Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."
The often busy beaches in the summer season carry a hidden danger: fast-moving channels of water that can drag a swimmer away from shore and exhaust them trying to fight their way out. The National Ocean Service estimates thousands of people are rescued from rip currents each year in the U.S.
These deaths come a day after a drowning in the Gulf at Panama City Beach, WJHG reported.
Panama City Beach Fire Chief Ray Morgan said the 19-year-old Oklahoma man was swimming during a single red flag advisory behind Sharky’s when he was caught in a rip current.
Officials said the man was pulled out of the water by beach safety lifeguards and given CPR on-site by first responders before being taken to Bay Medical in critical condition.
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