Be Safe-Adhere to The Beach Flag System

[tutic1971]

I don't know all the details of what is happening here, but I am posting this to help keep everyone safe. My thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected by this tragedy.

Per the WCSO-"People need to adhere by the flag system"

The Walton County Sheriff's Office was continuing a search and rescue operation in the waters behind the Whale's Tale in Miramar Beach on Wednesday morning after a swimmer died and another disappeared on Tuesday.

According to WCSO spokesperson Corey Dobridnia the department has jet skis in the water and South Walton Fire District personnel are also on scene.


WCSO units were called Tuesday evening to the area to help four distressed swimmers in the water at 7:40 p.m.Two made it to safety with non-life-threatening injuries, one was pulled from the water and later died, and one is still unaccounted for, according to a release from the Walton County Sheriff Office.Bay County Sheriff's Office launched their helicopter to help aid in the search and the Coast Guard deployed flares.The Walton County Sheriff's Office and South Walton Fire Department delayed their search at 9:40 p.m. due to rough surf, the release said.

Search continues for missing swimmer at Miramar Beach; one confirmed dead (PHOTOS)

 

[Dreamer]

What is wrong with the surf in that area of Miramar Beach? People are always drowning there. Prayers for the victims and families.

 

[Teresa]

Drowning yesterday at Shell Island in Panama City Beach as well. So sorry to hear about these incidents. Please be mindful of flag system. RED FLAG means No Swimming.

 

[Conn006]

Has red flags been flying recently?

 

[Teresa]

Has red flags been flying recently?

Yes. Due to storm.

 

[BeachArkie]

People also need to not be total morons.

They rescued 4 people from that area this morning, the idiots were swimming where they were looking for a corpse!

 

[Bob Wells]

There are areas where rip current occur and that area seems to have more than its fair share. I have seen where people walk over and around first responders doing CPR to go get into the water.

 

[LarsAtTheBeach]

What is wrong with the surf in that area of Miramar Beach? People are always drowning there. Prayers for the victims and families.

Has more to do with population than geography.

 

[Teresa]

UPDATE by South Walton Fire District on Facebook

JUN 8 (2pm) posted on fb:
A section of the water behind the Whale's Tail has been closed due to severe rip currents at this location. It is standard operating procedure for SWFD Beach Safety Lifeguards to display localized "No Swimming" Flags when conditions like this exist.
We are urging all beach goers to obey the Red Flag conditions and stay out of the water.
Remember that "Knee Deep is TOO DEEP!

JUN9
MISSING SWIMMER UPDATE
The body of the missing swimmer has been recovered. SWFD Beach Safety Lifeguards along with WCSO and Florida Wildlife Commission all played a vital role in the search and recovery efforts.
We continue to ask all our beach goers to obey the beach flags, know your limitations and swim near lifeguards. Stay safe.

The SWFD Facebook page provides excellent information each day about the surf conditions and beach flag. No nonsense page with good tips about safety, jelly fish stings, heat stroke and lots more througout the year! These are professionals giving great info but you'll never see these life savers brag for a minute. LOTS of respect to them. Give it a follow.

 

[ShallowsNole]

What is wrong with the surf in that area of Miramar Beach? People are always drowning there. Prayers for the victims and families.

The beach behind Whale's Tail is also the most popular for teenagers and young adults - two groups who are not as likely to pay attention to the warning systems. Though, the gentleman whose body was recovered was in his 30's.