Strong currents caused the drowning of about 12 people on the beaches of Florida in the United States, during the last two weeks, according to the “NBC News ” network.
Experts said Wednesday that deadly currents are responsible for dozens of apparent drownings over the past two weeks in the Florida Panhandle, where not enough lifeguards are present to prevent beachgoers from swimming, as the weather does not allow.
“The southwestern waves and strong sea currents have increased the waves,” warned Kathryn Brusev, a meteorologist at the American Channel.
Adding to the risk is a chronic shortage of qualified rescuers, said Tom Gill, a spokesman for Rescue USA.
He also said that swimming at an actively guarded beach is always the safer option.
While this many reported drownings in such a short period of time is unusual, the NWS has recorded 195 rip current deaths since 2002 on Panhandle beaches. https://t.co/apoL4Vqtnk
— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 29, 2023
Moreover, he emphasized that the high temperatures often tempt many individuals to swim without properly following safety guidelines.
seven of the 12 deaths were reported at Panama Beach alone, which has the largest record number of drownings in the United States this year, according to the National Weather Service’s ( NWS ) “surf deaths” database.
All of the deaths are men between the ages of 39 and 68.
Florida beach now deadliest in US after 3 more drownings https://t.co/MFj9Yn9Try
— Robert Gonzalez (@nosetu33) June 28, 2023
Careful out there!
As of Wednesday, the United States had counted 60 drowning cases across the country.
Panama Beach spokeswoman Debbie Ingram said they don’t have enough lifeguards to patrol the length of the beach, despite it being a favorite destination for many.
“Employment has become a challenge,” she conveyed in a text message. “We face competition from other beaches, some of which offer more attractive wages. Frequently, we hire university students to work as lifeguards.”
