Mississippi man dies in drowning in waters along Alabama beach

A 23-year-old Mississippi man died in a tragic drowning on Sunday in the waters off of a Gulf Shores, Alabama, beach.

Gulf Shores lifeguards assisted two swimmers who were with the man who drowned. They were in chest-deep water and were brought back to shore, where they reported a third individual had submerged. A search ensued, involving additional lifeguards and Fire Department personnel, and the individual washed ashore about twenty minutes later.

On Monday, heavy surf and rip currents continued to create hazardous conditions at Baldwin County beaches.

Lifeguards were actively patrolling the same stretch of beach on Monday. Gulf Shores Beach Rescue responded to a 9-1-1 call, pulling two boogieboarders from the water using a jet-ski after they were spotted more than 100 yards offshore in distress. Although the swimmers had flotation devices and claimed they could swim, they were brought to shore as a precaution due to the dangerous conditions.

Red flags were posted again Monday, indicating hazardous conditions, the second consecutive day with such warnings.

Lifeguards had numerous interactions on Monday with beachgoers venturing too far into the water. Despite over 1,000 such interactions last week and ongoing flag system awareness campaigns, many visitors remain unaware of the significance of the flags.

Gulf Shores Beach Safety officials anticipate posting double red flags as early as Tuesday, June 18, 2024, due to continuing strong southerly winds. These conditions are expected to persist for several days. For updates on surf conditions, text ALBEACHES to 888777.