Two people have died following drowning incidents along Walton County Beaches in less than three days despite the courageous efforts of first responders all week long during rough surf conditions.
On Thursday afternoon, South Walton Fire District received a distress call regarding a water rescue at Blue Mountain Beach. Alerted by beachgoers, Tower 31’s lifeguard quickly responded to the scene where bystanders had pulled an unresponsive male from the water, approximately half a mile west of the tower.
- The lifeguard initiated life-saving measures while additional beach safety units and deputies from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance.
- Sadly, the 65-year-old man from Coppell, Texas succumbed to his injuries.
Another incident took place on Saturday afternoon when multiple individuals were reported to be struggling in the water along Scenic Gulf Drive. Walton County Sheriff’s Office and South Walton Fire District Beach Safety Units were immediately dispatched to the scene. SWFD Beach Safety personnel and WCSO deputies promptly entered the water, rescuing two men and a teenager.
- They administered life-saving measures before the victims were transported by SWFD to a local hospital.
- Tragically, a 58-year-old man from Nashville, Tennessee was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Both incidents occurred when single red flags were flying, according to the WCSO. However, surf conditions prompted double red flags for several days on Walton County Beaches during which, both South Walton Fire District and Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to numerous water rescues and drowning incidents.
“Our agencies continue to educate those visiting our beaches on the dangers of the Gulf and its unforgiving nature,” wrote the WCSO is a press release. “We encourage those who plan to take a trip to the beach to swim near a lifeguard and know how to break the grip of a rip current. If you cannot swim, stay out of the water.”
