PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – More beach fatalities have been reported at Panama City Beach in Florida than any other beach in the U.S. in 2023, data from the National Weather Service showed.
According to a report from FOX 35 in Orlando, seven people have died in the area this year, all of which happened in June. Three of them occurred Saturday, officials confirmed.
In the past nine days, 10 people have died along the Emerald Coast because of rip currents, according to the NWS. That includes Panama City Beach, Gulf Shores, Blue Mountain Beach, Fort Morgan and Miramar Beach.
The beach death toll in the U.S. is up to 60 as of Saturday.
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Three people died behind three different resorts in Panama City Beach on the same road on the same day, officials said.
Here’s a look at the incidents on Front Beach Road on Saturday, according to the Panama City Beach Police Department:
Double-red flags were flying at the time of all three incidents, indicating extreme water hazards. When these double-red flags are flying, you are not allowed in the Gulf of Mexico, police said.
“The Panama City Beach Police Department and Beach Safety implore the public to always heed the double-red flag warnings and always be aware of the dangers that can accompany these conditions,” police said. “Double-red flag conditions have existed on the beach for the last week.”
In the last 10 days, the Panama City Beach Police Department responded to 70 swimmers in distress. Thirty-nine of those happened on Saturday.
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According to data from the National Weather Service, 10 people have died along the Florida-Alabama coast in the Gulf of Mexico in the past nine days. Here’s a look at where and when they happened:
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To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shore. You’ll be able to swim ashore as the current weakens. You shouldn’t try and swim against the rip current, officials said.
Officials shared what to look out for when it comes to rip currents: