Two men die in Gulf; Red Flags Flying

[sunspotbaby]

Two nights ago at Grayton (with red flags flying) there were two different groups of kids WAY out there in the gulf. Parents were sitting in beach chairs seemingly oblivious to the real danger their kids were in.

I was so nervous I strongly considered saying something about the drownings and the flags. But I didn't.

The last time I spoke to parents about their kids swimming in the gulf (and an obvious rip current) they were very grateful. They didn't know about the flag flying right behind them or what it meant. I told the Dad it may not look like much, but grown men die here every year trying to rescue their kids. I would rather say something and risk them being offended than for someone to drown.

 

[UofL]

When I was growing up, back in the 50's, I remember the only challenges in the water were an occasional big wave that knocked you down and you got alittle too much water up your nose and swallowed alittle too much. One drowning in the past 10 years - before the double red flags - was a woman who lived north of Louisville.
If you are not a local, you aren't aware of the changes in the water over time. I believe there was a discussion about whether to put the double red flags up and whether to have sheriff's deputies drive through to have people removed BECAUSE it might affect the tourist industry.
I'm not offering the above as an excuse. Just an explanation as to why people might 'ignore' the flags. Actually we stay out of the water alot because of the grass/seaweed. Too old to deal with it
Below is the obituary of one of the people who died:

M, GLENN, 46, of Louisville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 5, 2009, while vacationing in Panama City Beach, FL, with his family.

Throughout his life, Glenn spent his career in serving the public. He was a deputy sheriff with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for the past 14 years. He served on the board for the FOP Lodge 25 for six years - two years as president. Glenn served as a major with the Lincolnshire Police Department. He was also a security officer at St. Anthony Medical Center and was an Army Ranger with the 101st Airborne Division.

Glenn was a lifetime member of Northtown United Baptist Church where he joined by experience and baptism in August 1974.

Glenn's quick wit and wonderful sense of humor never left him with a lack for words. He knew exactly what to say at the right time to get a laugh. His smile lit up a room. He was the kind of man you were always happy to see and sad to see go. He lived his life to the fullest.

He loved his country, community and of course, most of all, his family. He was a devoted and loving husband and father, a wonderful uncle and beloved brother.


Throughout his life and years of service to his country and community, he has touched countless lives. For those nearest and dearest to his heart, he leaves an emptiness that no other man could fill and an ache that will never cease.

The family would like to express their unending gratitude to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, FOP Lodge 25, friends at Kindred Hospitals of Louisville and the entire staff of Bosse Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 11, 2009, from noon-8 p.m. at Bosse Funeral Home with a service provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department at 7 p.m. A private service and burial will be at noon Monday at Northtown United Baptist with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department presiding.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Kentucky Sheriff's Boys and Girls Ranch in care of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.