Array
A Florida sheriff ripped into beachgoers for ignoring warnings of deadly water conditions after the Florida Panhandle experienced nearly a dozen deadly drownings, including former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett, over the last two weeks.
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said he was infuriated with the unnecessary deaths after he had to watch his deputies rescue strangers who disregarded the warnings.
“I’m beyond frustrated at the situation that we have with tragic and unnecessary deaths in the Gulf,” Ford wrote on Facebook. “I have watched while deputies, firefighters, and lifeguards have risked their lives to save strangers. I have seen strangers die trying to save their children and loved ones, including two fathers on Father’s Day.”
Panama City Beach, a resort town located in the south end of Bay County on the Gulf of Mexico, has been designated the deadliest beach in the US this year with seven deaths, all of which happened in the month of June.
More than 60 people have died from drowning in the United States this year; last year’s total was 69, according to USA Today.
Panama City Police responded to 70 swimmers in distress calls over the past 10 days, 39 of which occurred on Saturday — the same day four men ranging from 39 to 68 years old were killed because of rip currents at different resorts on Panama City Beach, according to a report from the National Weather Service.
