'A tragedy': Panama City Beach releases statement about recent string of drownings

PANAMA CITY BEACH − Local officials say beachgoers failing to follow the flag warning system is the "city's greatest challenge on the sandy beach."

In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, Panama City Beach addressed the recent string of drownings that set the city apart as having the highest number of beach fatalities for any single locale in the U.S. for 2023, according to a National Weather Service database.

From June 15-24, six tourists died after swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City Beach. Five happened under double red flags, and one occurred during single red flag conditions. There also was another double red drowning during that time by a tourist on an unincorporated Bay County beach outside the city's limits.

"Any and every loss of life is a tragedy," the release reads. "The city considers these drownings heart-wrenching, unnecessary and preventable. Our brave first responders, including members of the beach safety division, Beach Fire Rescue, Panama City Beach Police Department and code enforcement, have worked nonstop over this period, risking their own lives, as they protected the public across nine miles of city beaches."

All victims died after grappling with rip currents, and with double red flags posted in every instance but one, it meant the Gulf was closed to swimmers under penalty of a $500 fine. Only surfers tethered to a surfboard are allowed to enter the Gulf during double red flags.

According to daily text messages from ALERTBAY, a local emergency notification system, red or double red flags have flown every day in PCB since June 12. This means dangerous rip currents have existed along the coast that entire time.

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The release notes that during the stretch of dangerous conditions when the local deaths occurred, almost 100 people were cited for swimming double red. Beach safety crews also rescued more than 140 people, as well as took about 116 preventative actions − when lifeguards preemptively help prevent someone from putting themselves in a position where they might need rescuing.

PCB officials also said it is common for lifeguards and first responders to be disrespected by beachgoers who are upset with the rules put in place to help keep them safe. Multiple lifeguards have been injuring during water rescues, and some also were treated for water inhalation.

"Each year, the city works to improve each aspect of its beach safety program to provide the safest experience to its 100,000 daily visitors," the release reads. "Since 2020, the city has offered city lifeguards to beachfront properties through a public-private partnership. For two years, one property owner has partnered with the city, resulting in the addition of additional lifeguards on the city's eastern shores.

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"Over the same period, the city has increased code enforcement staff, police personnel and lifeguards on the beach. In addition, the city partners with Bay County first responders and the Tourist Development Council to continually improve our beach flags safety educational and enforcement efforts. We implore everyone to learn and follow the flag warning system."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: PCB comments on the six recent drownings within its city limits