Rip Current — Coastal Bay, Florida

2023-06-18 · Coastal Bay, Florida

Event narrative

According to a news release from the Panama City Beach Police Department, a 47 year old male from Helena, Alabama, drowned after he attempted to rescue his daughter from a rip current. The incident occurred near Tidewater Beach Condominiums, 16819 Front Beach Road. The daughter was rescued successfully. Single red flags were flying.

Wider weather episode

Persistent moderate onshore flow led to numerous rip currents for a multi-day period. The strongest rip current occurred between June 15-24 when unfortunately several fatalities occurred.

On June 15th, according to a report from the Beach Police, a 52 year old male from Lula, GA drowned after he entered the Gulf to help two beachgoers who were fighting a rip current. The incident occurred at Public Beach Access 75, which is located near Front Beach Road and South Vestavia Street. Double red flags were flying.

On June 18th, according to a news release from the Panama City Beach Police Department, a 47 year old male from Helena, Alabama, drowned after he attempted to rescue his daughter from a rip current. The incident occurred near Tidewater Beach Condominiums, 16819 Front Beach Road. The daughter was rescued successfully. Single red flags were flying.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1100045. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.