Beach Visitors Ignore Double Red Warning Flags

[Alicia Leonard]

One person has drowned and four others have been hospitalized after being pulled from rough Gulf of Mexico waters at Panama City Beach today.
In addition, at least nine others were rescued but were not hospitalized.
Double red flags have been flying since early Tuesday because of rip currents created by the swells and surf associated with Hurricane Dolly, hundreds of miles southwest of here.
Today?s drowning victim has been identified as Jeffery Everitt from Georgia. His age and hometown were not immediately available. He was swimming in the Gulf behind the Majestic, which is in the Long Beach area, when he was apparently overcome by the rip currents and rough surf.
Double Red Flags continue to fly at Panama City Beach. This means the Gulf waters are closed to all. Despite the flags people still ignore them and create a busy day for local Paramedics, Police and Fire personnel.



http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/25818979.html

 

[Miss Critter]

We don't need no stinkin' flags. Everyone knows nothing bad ever happens on vacation.

Seriously, how horrible for his family. If there is a plus side, I bet everyone on that beach today will pay attention to the flags from now on.

 

[Matt J]

I really find it hard to feel sorry for people that drown during a double red flag. What part of red (universal sign of stop or warning) do you not get? To me and many of my friends this is not a loss, but a thining of the herd.

 

[aggieb]

I really find it hard to feel sorry for people that drown during a double red flag. What part of red (universal sign of stop or warning) do you not get? To me and many of my friends this is not a loss, but a thining of the herd.

i totally understand where you're coming from, but come on that was a little harsh, don'tcha think?

what i don't understand is the negligence, and that goes for all issues concerning the beaches, litter, canopies/tents, rip currents, etc.

 

[Matt J]

Doesn't feel harsh at all since I just watched the news. In Bay county alone they listed the rescues and it basically went down the towers from East to West of rescues. What makes people think that if they witness a rescue from the water they can suddenly go in? Is it a lottery mentality? Granted I was raised around water, but at the same time I do have friends from the mid-west who wouldn't challenge red flags. If you think that paying two grand for a condo for the week exempts you from mother nature then more power too you. Maybe a dolphin will save you. I won't apologize for sounding cold, but it's just stupid and I don't feel that stupidity is a pass.

 

[kimbug]

Maybe it does sound harsh and it's sad that someone has lost their life out of sheer stupidity but I am tired of the blatant disrespect of rules (and not just from beach visitors). Why should the rescue personnel continue to put their own lives on the line for idiots who ignore double red flags?

 

[Miss Critter]

I agree about the lifeguards. Ive watched these young people train at Ed Walline a few times, and just keep thinking how brave they are. We sometimes think of lifeguards as looking cool (and they do) while they scan the water, but the bottom line is that they risk their lives when they attempt to save someone. And they are so young!

It's a tough job. They have my admiration and respect. I also feel truly sorry for the bystanders who are sometimes killed or injured when they try to save someone.

As to what will make people obey the flags, I'm clueless. Any ideas? What do they do in other beach areas?

 

[scooterbug44]

I don't think we CAN make it any simpler or easier for people - we've got an incredibly simple and logical flag system that is posted at every access (in 2 languages no less), printed in every edition of the free local paper, continuously advertised on TV, and is also on t-shirts, fliers etc.

At some point personal accountability and Darwinism needs to kick in!

 

[JB]

We don't need no stinkin' flags. Everyone knows nothing bad ever happens on vacation.

Seriously, how horrible for his family. If there is a plus side, I bet everyone on that beach today will pay attention to the flags from now on.

I wouldn't hold my breath on that one. People think to themselves "Heck, I'm a good swimmer. I can handle it." Famous last words.

 

[BeachSiO2]

Maybe it does sound harsh and it's sad that someone has lost their life out of sheer stupidity but I am tired of the blatant disrespect of rules (and not just from beach visitors). Why should the rescue personnel continue to put their own lives on the line for idiots who ignore double red flags?

In reference to the latest drownings, I don't believe that PC beach has lifeguards like Sowal does. I am glad we have them and it looks like it makes a difference.