Dangerous surf prompts 10 water rescues on Panama City Beach

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Double red flags are still flying across Panama City Beach, keeping the Gulf off-limits as dangerous surf and rip currents linger in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Bertha.

Beach safety officials are urging locals and visitors to stay out of the water, warning conditions can remain hazardous even as the weather begins to improve.

“Please, stay out of the water,” said PCB Beach Safety Director Daryl Paul. He explained that larger swells can carve deep cuts through sandbars, creating channels where water rushes back out to sea, fueling powerful rip currents.

Even with some beachgoers following the rules and staying on the sand, Paul said crews responded to 10 water rescue calls on Wednesday alone.

“As weather and surf conditions improve, you see the surf calm down,” said Paul. ”The rip currents will still be set from the bigger swells and the surf over the previous days.”

Paul also urged people to follow lifeguards’ instructions, emphasizing that rescues can put lifeguards in danger as well.

“The lifeguard’s role is prevention through education. We want to prevent the bad things from happening in the first place,” he said.

Officials remind beachgoers that entering the water during double red flags can lead to a $500 fine or jail time. Beach safety crews will continue monitoring conditions in the coming days.

To get the latest water hazard updates, text PCBFLAGS to 888777.

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