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How to escape rip currents
FOX 35 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist Jayme King says there will be dangerous rip currents at Florida's east coast beaches this weekend. If you get caught in one, here's how to get out.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - More beach fatalities have been reported at Panama City Beach than any other beach in the U.S. in 2023, data from the National Weather Service shows. Seven people have died in the area this year, all of which happened in June. Three of them occurred Saturday, officials confirmed.
In the past nine days, 10 people have died along the Emerald Coast because of rip currents, according to the NWS. That includes Panama City Beach, Gulf Shores, Blue Mountain Beach, Fort Morgan and Miramar Beach.
The beach death toll in the U.S. is up to 60 as of Saturday.
Panama City Beach confirms 3 beach deaths over the weekend
Three people died behind three different resorts on the same road on the same day, officials said.
Here's a look at the incidents on Front Beach Road on Saturday, according to the Panama City Beach Police Department:
- 12:04 p.m.: A 39-year-old woman from Georgia was successfully brought to shore behind a Days Inn, but was unresponsive when life-saving measures were started. The woman, identified as Kimberly Ann Mckelvy, was transported to a local hospital where she later died.
- 1:13 p.m.: A 63-year-old man identified as Morytt James Burden of Georgia was rescued behind the Boardwalk Beach Resort and was successfully brought to shore, but he was unresponsive. After life-saving measures started, he was transported to a hospital where he later died.
- 4:23 p.m.: Donald Wixon was rescued from behind the Emerald Isle Condos and was brought to shore, but he was unresponsive. The man from Michigan was transported to a hospital after life-saving measures were started, and was later pronounced dead.
Double-red flags were flying at the time of all three incidents, indicating extreme water hazards. When these double-red flags are flying, you are not allowed in the Gulf of Mexico, police said.
"The Panama City Beach Police Department and Beach Safety implore the public to always heed the double-red flag warnings and always be aware of the dangers that can accompany these conditions," police said. "Double-red flag conditions have existed on the beach for the last week."
In the last 10 days, the Panama City Beach Police Department responded to 70 swimmers in distress. Thirty-nine of those happened on Saturday.
PANAMA CITY BEACH: Dad dies trying to save daughter from rip current at Florida beach on Father's Day
9 of 11 beach deaths in past 9 days happened in Florida
According to data from the National Weather Service, 10 people have died along the Florida-Alabama coast in the Gulf of Mexico in the past nine days. Here's a look at where and when they happened:
- June 18: Panama City Beach
- June 21: Panama City Beach
- June 22: Panama City Beach
- June 22: Gulf Shores, Alabama
- June 22: Blue Mountain Beach
- June 23: Fort Morgan, Alabama
- June 24: Miramar Beach
- June 24: Panama City Beach
- June 24: Panama City Beach
- June 24: Panama City Beach
What is a rip current?
A rip current is a "strong and narrow current of water that occurs near beaches with breaking waves," according to the City of Panama City Beach. They are "unpredictable, dangerous and deadly."
Rip current safety tips
To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shore. You'll be able to swim ashore was the current weakens. You shouldn't try and swim against the rip current, officials said.
Officials shared what to look out for when it comes to rip currents:
- Discoloration of water
- Unusual choppiness
- Debris and foam moving seaward
Look out for red flags
- Double red flag: Very high hazard, water closed to public
- Red flag: High hazard, high surf, strong currents
- Yellow flag: Medium hazard, moderate surf and/or strong currents
- Green flag: Low hazard, calm conditions, caution still advised
- Purple flag: Dangerous marine life