A man was transported to the hospital in critical condition Thursday afternoon after a water rescue in Miramar Beach, according to South Walton Fire District.
- SWFD responded around 4 p.m. on May 28 to the incident, which occurred just west of the Whale’s Tail restaurant.
Bystanders reported seeing an adult male, approximately 35 years old, attempting to swim to a set of buoys located between the first and second sandbars when he began struggling in the water. Bystanders entered the water to assist, called 911 and initiated care.
SWFD lifeguards and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene and took over medical care. Beach Safety transported the patient off the beach to SWFD Advanced Life Support crews, who initiated additional lifesaving measures before transporting the patient to the hospital in critical condition.
- To protect patient privacy, SWFD cannot provide additional patient updates.
Single red flags were flying at the time for high surf hazards and rip currents present. However, based on information from bystanders and lifeguards, the incident is not believed to be rip current-related.
The rescue occurred approximately a half mile from the nearest lifeguard tower, within a “tertiary” zone of lifeguard coverage.
Lifeguards remind beach patrons to swim near a lifeguard during the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when towers are staffed, and to always consider local weather alerts and the beach flag warning system. Beachgoers can text SAFETY to 31279 for daily beach flag text updates.
Officials also advise that only those who know how to swim should enter the water, that young children and individuals prone to wandering should be carefully watched, and that beachgoers should call 911 immediately in the event of beach-related medical or water emergencies.
