PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Recent drownings along the Florida Panhandle have raised concerns over strong rip currents plaguing the area’s beaches. Over the past weekend, a total of five deaths occurred in Bay and Walton counties due to the presence of strong rip currents and double red flags, signaling dangerous conditions for beachgoers.
According to local reports, all five of the victims were non-Florida residents. The Panama City Beach Safety Director, Daryl Paul, expressed frustration at the lack of compliance and disregard for lifeguard warnings, pointing to the blatant disregard for the safety measures in place.
Saturday alone saw 39 rescues and three deaths within a five-hour span in Panama City Beach, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford took to social media to vent his frustration regarding the tragic and unnecessary deaths that occurred despite the warnings and efforts to save lives. He urged personal responsibility to prevent further tragedies at the beach.
The sheriff emphasized the dangers of rip currents, stressing that even experienced swimmers are no match for their power. Similar incidents have also been reported in Alabama, where multiple drownings have occurred at beaches in the span of two weeks.
To alert beachgoers of current conditions, five different flags or combinations of flags are used, each representing a different level of hazard. These flags range from indicating calm conditions with a green flag to warning of closures and high surf with double red flags.
The tragedies in Florida and Alabama serve as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding warnings and taking precautions at the beach. As the summer season continues, authorities are urging beachgoers to stay informed about flag conditions and exercise caution when entering the water.