Rip Current — Escambia, Florida

2002-05-13 · near Pensacola Beach, Escambia, Florida

Event narrative

A group of students from out of state were swimming in rough surf along an unguarded section of Pensacola Beach. Red flags, warning of dangerous rip currents, were flying at the time. The group were out in the water holding hands when a large wave broke the group apart. Two of the girls got in trouble in the rough water. Surfers were able to pull the two girls out of the water. Both were transported to the hospital. One of the girls died and the other was released after being kept overnight. The female that died didn't know how to swim.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5296563. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.