Grandfather rushes to save 9-year-old struggling off SC beach and drowns, cops say
A 70-year-old man died after he tried to save his young grandson from rough water off the South Carolina coast, officials said.
The man was visiting a Pawleys Island beach with his family when the 9-year-old boy started to struggle in the ocean. He tried to help his grandson but started having trouble himself, according to a Pawleys Island Police Department incident report.
A paddleboarder reportedly pulled the grandfather to the shore before good Samaritans rushed to give him emergency care. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, officers wrote June 21 in a Twitter post.
The Georgetown County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Derrell Lambert of West Columbia. His name was spelled differently in an earlier news release.
“It’s going to be a difficult time for them and we offer our prayers and condolences,” Police Chief Michael Fanning told WPDE.
Police received a report of a possible drowning at about 12:30 p.m. June 21. First responders were called to a beach access point on Pawleys Island, roughly 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach.
While attempting to rescue his grandson, officials believe Lambert was “overtaken by the current” and drowned. Witnesses reported seeing the child “pulled by longshore currents,” which run parallel to the shore and can pose risks.
“A swimmer may notice they are in a longshore current if it is difficult to remain in front of one spot on the beach,” the National Park Service said on its website. “Longshore currents become more dangerous as they sweep down the beach into an unexpected rip, outlet, or structural current.”
Lambert’s grandson went to a hospital since he took in saltwater, officials said.
Drowning
At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”
2-year-old drowns in country club pool on Father’s Day, South Carolina coroner says
Tourist dies after vanishing in surf at popular South Carolina beach, officials say
