Beach Visitors Ignore Double Red Warning Flags

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Posted: 2:46 PM Jul 23, 2008
Last Updated: 3:48 PM Jul 24, 2008

4 comments

Drownings - 5 PM

Drownings - 6 PM

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One person has drowned and four others have been hospitalized after being pulled from rough Gulf of Mexico waters at Panama City Beach today.

In addition, at least nine others were rescued but were not hospitalized.

Double red flags have been flying since early Tuesday because of rip currents created by the swells and surf associated with Hurricane Dolly, hundreds of miles southwest of here.

Today’s drowning victim has been identified as Jeffery Everitt, 56, from Georgia. He was swimming in the Gulf behind the Majestic, which is in the Long Beach area, when he was apparently overcome by the rip currents and rough surf.

Double Red Flags continue to fly at Panama City Beach. This means the Gulf waters are closed to all. Despite the flags people still ignore them and create a busy day for local Paramedics, Police and Fire personnel.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: J Location: Panama City, FL on Aug 1, 2008 at 09:48 AM
I would not risk my life for a wave. "Taking the double down" could've very well taken you down. Your "Once in a lifetime" experience could have been the last one you had. Then, panama city beach authorities get blamed for your lack of restraint and maturity.when are you guys going to learn? Maturity would help you resist. I am glad you didn't die, but you were a lucky one.

Posted by: david Location: brandon, ms on Jul 25, 2008 at 06:23 PM
We were there and simply could not resist entering those waves. For PCB it was a unique experience. Just imagine sitting on the beach loving the way the water looked and not being able to get in it. Temptation was too great for the risk of not going out far. We were chanting "Take the double down" and had a great time. We weren't three sheets in the wind nor did we try to reach the warning buoys, which probably had alot to do with our once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Posted by: Timothy Location: Panama City on Jul 24, 2008 at 06:13 PM
What is it going to take for authorities to take harsher steps for those who do not stay out of the water on red or double red flag days?? You start hitting the wallet or purse strings and I bet folks will start getting the idea.

Posted by: randy Location: pcb on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:08 PM
I've been bodysurfing for 37 years.If fines or arrest's are authorized I will take legal action.I may be a minority on this issue,but you have no right to deny me of the one activity I truely love.

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