PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – It was a picture-perfect night on the water Sunday. Sunset cruise through the mountain passes near Panama City Beach’s East Pier.
But that peace was shattered when someone yelled, “I fell overboard.”
“We were coming out of the pass and the captain called to say there was a person on board. It wasn’t one of us. It was someone who had been torn apart while snorkeling. So we went through the steps to get people overboard and jumped into the water and did a rescue operation. When I pulled her aboard, she was relieved. Her heart rate was skyrocketing,” said deckhand Avery Whaley.
Coastal safety officials say even though it’s fall, rip currents are still real and a danger.
“We feel like Panama City Beach’s secret is out. We are a year-round tourist destination. That being said, everyone comes to the beach, which puts an even greater burden on our lifeguards who are trying to have as much public contact and precautions as possible,” said PCB Beach Safety Director Darryl Paul.
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Three people drowned in Panama City Beach this year.
Safety crews say that in years past, many of the victims were people who jumped in to help people in distress.
“So if you get caught in a rip current, don’t panic and stay calm. Face the shore, wave for help, and swim parallel to the shore. You should land on a sandbar. If you see someone struggling to swim in a rip current, get in right away. Don’t take action yourself. Don’t risk your own safety,” Paul said.
Officials also recommend staying close to lifeguards and signing up for daily beach flag alerts on your cell phone.
“So compared to previous season numbers, our rescues are down significantly. Our public assistance is down significantly and our precautionary measures are trending above last year. But it’s all because of the hard work these lifeguards put in every day,” Paul added.
Therefore, whether it is summer or autumn, calm sea or crashing waves, always check the flag and never swim alone.
To sign up for daily Beach Flag text alerts, you can text PCBFLAGS to 888-777.
