Multiple Dead After Series of Recent Drownings

One could say that this year has been unlike any other year before, at least in a post-pandemic world. The state of Florida continues to make headlines, whether it be political, shark sightings, or rip current drownings.

Photo byCraig CamerononUnsplash

This summer, we have seen significantly warmer weather all around the country, none more so than when more than half the country saw a massive heat wave that lasted for days on end. Florida is no stranger to having rainy weather on one side of the road versus bright and sunny on the other. When swimming at the beach, it is always best to revert to the flags flying closest to the lifeguard stations.

Each flag has a different color to signify beach and water conditions. Green is all good. Yellow means you can still go in the water, but please be sure to go with caution. Purple represents the presence of marine wildlife. Red signifies that there is a high hazard, and it is advised not to enter the water. Double red flags signify that the water is closed and you should not enter the water; there will be no lifeguards on duty.

Rip Currents and the Danger that They Pose

Photo byCarson MastersononUnsplash

Recently, Panama City Beach saw four people die, within 48 hours of each other, from drowning while being pulled under by a rip current. So, what exactly is a rip current? Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are very prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S. and along the shores of the Great Lakes. These currents can slow down the best swimmers in the world, including Olympic swimmers.

If you do find yourself caught in a rip current, do not panic, that is easier said than done. But the more you struggle within the rip current, the faster you will tire yourself out and succumb to it. The best thing that you can do for yourself, aside from staying calm, is to swim parallel to the rip currents and not swim against them.

Recent Drownings

In the month of June, Panama City saw four people lose their lives to the dangers of rip currents. It is so easy to get caught in them if you do not know what to look for when identifying them. These drownings also came on the heels of multiple shark attacks in the area. Another three have also lost their lives due to rip currents. This brings the total up to seven individuals that the Gulf of Mexico has claimed.

In total, almost 60+ people this year alone have lost their lives via drowning. While it is sad to see so many succumb to drowning, it does serve as a lesson to educate the public about the dangers of rip currents. If there is a red flag flying at the beach, it is truly best to stay out of the water. It is not worth risking your life.

Local officials started trying to figure out how best to crack down on beachgoer safety. It truly all comes down to listening to those local officials and knowing how to identify the warning flags that fly along the beaches properly.

About the Author

Amanda Bentle is a mother with many talents under her belt. She is also a wife, co-worker, friend, daughter, and sister. Writing is something that has always come naturally to her. Amanda is able to share her love of many hobbies, as she is not a one-hobby kind of gal, with her husband and son. Not only is Amanda a master of many talents and hobbies, but one of the many things she loves as much as her little family are the cats and dogs that she has rescued and welcomed into her little family over the last seven to ten years.