A county sheriff in Florida’s Panhandle said he was “extremely frustrated” over the flouting of gulf current warnings after seven people drowned in two weeks.
Tommy Ford, the sheriff of Bay County, whose district includes the popular Florida resort town of Panama City, said the deaths were “tragic and unnecessary.”
On Tuesday, 35-year-old former NFL player Ryan Mallett drowned after getting caught in a wave action 50 miles west of Panama City, in Destin, Florida.
Just three days earlier, three people had drowned within hours along Panama City beaches: Morytt Burden, 63, of Lithia Springs, Georgia; Kimberly Moore, 39, of Lithonia, Georgia; and Donald Wixon, 68 of Canton, Michigan.
A week earlier, two fathers died on Father’s Day, June 18.
Between 2002 and 2021, rip currents have been responsible for 191 deaths along the coast of Alabama and Florida Panhandle. That’s more than tornadoes, lightning, tropical weather systems and floods combined, according to National Weather Service data, cited by ALREADY. com.
Sheriff Ford said swimmers who ignored tidal wave warnings also endangered the lives of rescuers.
“I am beyond frustrated with the situation we have with tragic and needless deaths in the Gulf,” Ford wrote on Facebook Monday.
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford shared this photo on Facebook illustrating the tide near Panama City. The gullies in the sand were created by the current
Ford said he was “extremely frustrated” with the needless deaths
“I’ve seen deputies, firefighters, and lifeguards risk their lives to save strangers. I’ve seen strangers die trying to save their children and loved ones, including two fathers on Father’s Day.”
He said some of his employees were berated and cursed for warning people of the dangers and fining those who flouted the laws.
“The same heroes, who risked everything to save others, have been cursed and blamed as they tried to warn visitors of the life-threatening dangers,” Ford said.
“We used the tools provided by the county commission to fine violators $500 for entering the water with double red flags. We don’t have the resources or time to name every person who enters the water, but we do our very best to use it as a deterrent to entering the water. An arrest is only allowed on a second offense unless the person resists law enforcement.
“We have worked diligently with the TDC, commissioners and other partners to continually improve our response capabilities and messaging to ensure everyone knows the flag conditions. Yet people are still dying.’
Panama City’s beaches attract many visitors
Ford said people visiting the beaches should take responsibility for their actions and respect the rules that were there to keep people safe.
He urged anyone enjoying the beaches of Florida and Alabama to do so safely and responsibly.
“Government and law enforcement can only do so much in these situations,” Ford said.
“Self-responsibility is the only way to make sure no one else dies. Please try to know the status of the flag and stay completely out of the water.”
He concluded, “I am so proud of the men and women in the sheriff’s office and partner agencies who are doing their very best to save lives.
“Please be responsible and don’t endanger your life or theirs.”
Ford continued with an aerial photo showing the strength of the tides.
The sand had been dragged away from the shore in straight lines, in deep gullies.
He captioned his photo: “Aftermath of a deadly weekend.”
“You say you are a ‘good’ swimmer, an expert swimmer, a competitive swimmer,” Ford wrote.
‘But you’re no match for a rip current.
“These are photos of the trenches that were dredged into the sand underwater last weekend as a result of the powerful rip currents. These are so deep that they can be easily seen from above. There are quite a few. The photos were taken yesterday from one of our helicopters.’
Gulf Shores chief of beach safety Joethan Phillips said many people didn’t understand the beach flags.
Green flags indicate low risk; yellow medium; and a single red means there is a high risk and most people should stay out of the water.
A double red flag means the water has been shut off and people entering could be fined and arrested.
“I think that’s a lot,” Phillips told AL.com.
“I just think a lot of people don’t know what the flags mean or even if they’re there.”
Mallett, who played in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, drowned Tuesday in Destin, Florida.
Mallett was on vacation with his girlfriend Madison Carter, KNWA reported, and was swimming with a group of friends.
The former quarterback supported Tom Brady in New England for two seasons, and the future Hall of Famer paid tribute to his former teammate on Instagram late Tuesday.
“We have lost a great man. Thanks for everything Ryan,” he wrote.
“Praying tonight for the Mallett family and all their loved ones.”
Former football player and White Hall coach Ryan Mallett has passed away at the age of 35
The former quarterback played with Tom Brady for the New England Patriots from 2011-2013
And the legendary passer-by paid tribute to his ex-teammate late on Tuesday evening
Mallett was on holiday with his girlfriend Madison Carter, the KNWA reports. The ex-player officially became Facebook with Carter less than a month ago, on June 1
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Mallett’s death in a statement.
“A tourist was killed when he apparently drowned off Gulf Shore Drive in Destin,” it read Tuesday night.
A group of individuals were reportedly struggling off the coast when a man went down.
“He wasn’t breathing when lifeguards found him and pulled him out. Tragically, life-saving measures were unsuccessful.
The victim is identified as 35-year-old Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones on his tragic passing.”
Deltaplex news first reported the tragedy on Tuesday, before the Patriots and NFL confirmed the news and paid tribute.
Mallett was taken to the hospital from a Florida beach after first responders were called to the area at 2:12 p.m.
He was pronounced dead at Destin’s emergency room.
Deltaplex News later reported that Mallett was with up to 12 people when he went into rapids.