View Full Version : today's drowning in the water around 30-A
Smiling JOe
08-30-2005, 07:08 PM
You guys should heed the warnings. If the red flags are flying, stay out of the water. Early afternoon today, a kid was in the rough water at Ed Walline Park, across the street from Gulf Place. The kid got into trouble, his uncle went in after him. The uncle was able to get to the kid, but the uncle drowned. Another family member went in, but was able to rescue only the kid.
That water can be deadly if not respected. Wake up, people! :bang:
Ocean Lover
08-30-2005, 07:12 PM
Oh, that is horrible news....I really don't understand a parent that would allow their child in during a red flag. So sad for the family.
wetwilly
08-30-2005, 07:14 PM
Very sad story. Based on the pictures you posted earlier and the looks of the water, I can not believe that anyone went in the water let alon allowed their child to go in. I feel bad for the family and the loss of someone to this tragedy but people must heed the warnings provided and/or use some common sense....and watch your kids very closely.
Smiling JOe
08-30-2005, 07:17 PM
Very sad story. Based on the pictures you posted earlier and the looks of the water, I can not believe that anyone went in the water let alon allowed their child to go in. I feel bad for the family and the loss of someone to this tragedy but people must heed the warnings provided and/or use some common sense....and watch your kids very closely.
I refer to the person as a kid, but I am uncertain whether the kid was 5 or 25 yrs old. I only heard the story on the local news. It is very sad that the kid had to lose his uncle in order to learn to respect the powerful sea.
The Gulf was very scary looking today. Very rough and strong hidden currents.
Smiling JOe
08-30-2005, 07:40 PM
http://sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/2/1/6/IMG_1579.JPG
Yes, rough seas indeed.
lollygal
08-30-2005, 07:57 PM
I am so sad that someone would venture into those waters! I just don't understand the reasoning. I guess I'm just a safety girl.
Smiling JOe
08-30-2005, 08:00 PM
I am so sad that someone would venture into those waters! I just don't understand the reasoning. I guess I'm just a safety girl.
Today, I talked to some local, experience surfers who were only thinking about going surfing. They stayed on land.
Ocean Lover
08-30-2005, 08:10 PM
Smart guys. :clap_1:
Hi,
I could not find any news articles about this drowning - I want to point this out to my husband. When I visited the area in July, the flags were red or double red almost the entire week (pre-Dennis week). My husband, along with MANY other tourists who should have known better - kept going in the water. I refused to let my husband take our 5 year old son in the water, opting to stay in the pool and on the beach (not the most fun vacation we've ever had - this was the source of many arguments over the course of the week). Even though the flags were red, the resort put out beach chairs for rent, inviting people to enjoy the beach, and I just do not think people realize the danger.
I - being extremely paranoid and used to the Sarasota and Pinellas area beaches and their swimming pool-like conditions - researched the riptide phenomemon extensively before our vacation, and there is no way I would ever take a chance with my child. I wouldn't even let him in the water with a yellow flag - he is just too little and not a strong enough swimmer. Plus, in a panic situation, a child is not going to remember to swim parallel to shore until he/she is released from the current. I do not think the property management companies in the area do an adequate job in educating renters about the flag system - maybe they are afraid of scaring tourists away and losing money. Of course, people need to take personal responsbility and know what they are getting into before they get into the water (this is easy for me to say however because I grew up in Florida). People who did not grow up around the ocean do not realize how grand and powerful it is and how small we are compared to it.
Smiling JOe
08-31-2005, 08:49 AM
LL, here is a story which I found at http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/1708416.html
Channel 7 Panama City Beach, FL
Man Drowns While Trying to Save Teenager in the Gulf in South Walton County
A 41-year-old man, vacationing in Walton County, drowned in the Gulf Tuesday afternoon while trying to rescue his 13-year-old nephew who was in distress in the surf.
Two Walton County deputies launched their jet skis and made a number of attempts to reach the victim, at times almost becoming victims themselves.
The victim has been identified as 41-year-old David Dubach of Metairie, La. He had gone in the water to rescue his 13-year-old nephew Cody Ziglar who was caught in the undertow. (edit: I think they mean ripcurrent)
Dubuc made contact with the child, however he was unable to get him back to the beach.
Thirty-six-year-old Michael Comeaux, another relative, went into the water to help. He was able to rescue the 13-year-old Ziglar, but was unable to rescue Dubuc.
Airheart Air Medical team responded their helicopter and were able to locate Dubuc some 200 yards east of Ed Walline Park still in the water.
Walton Deputies and South Walton Fire and Rescue responded to the sighting and were able to pull the man from the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A man drowned today around 3:30 p.m. at Ed Walline Park.
According to a witness on the scene, a family who had just arrived in the area and checked into a local rental near the park, saw a young boy, approximately 6 or 7, caught in the surf.
The father of the family went into the water to attempt to rescue the boy but was soon caught up in the current as well.
Emergency responders attempted to get to the man on personal watercrafts but rough surf conditions kept overturning the watercrafts the rescuers were using.
Gary Wise, a professional lifeguard from Australia, was called in to help in the effort.
After two hours, the man was pulled from the water but could not be revived.
No names or ages have been released as yet.
Smiling JOe
08-31-2005, 08:56 AM
... I do not think the property management companies in the area do an adequate job in educating renters about the flag system - ...
If each rental had a notebook filled with stories like this one, and many stories exist, we may have better educated mamas, but daddies will always test the waters for some strange reason.
You may not realize it, but your stance on the issue could have saved your child's life. Good for you.
By the way, it is possible to enjoy the beach without going into the water. I do it very often.
SlowMovin
08-31-2005, 09:09 AM
I know the company we use mails the county's flag info to the renters when they send the directions and has them posted in plain sight inside the property.
I don't know what else they can do.
Smiling JOe
08-31-2005, 09:15 AM
I know the company we use mails the county's flag info to the renters when they send the directions and has them posted in plain sight inside the property.
I don't know what else they can do.
That can be very helpful to some, but there is nothing like actual stories to wake up some people. We all have our own ways of learning. Unfortunately, some people learn from only their own experiences. I tend to learn as much from the experience of others.;-)
It has been a while since I have last looked at the Seymour the Crab water safety brochure, but maybe they need to have a more dangerous looking spokesmodel for the yellow and red flags.
Miss Kitty
08-31-2005, 09:25 AM
Hi,
I could not find any news articles about this drowning - I want to point this out to my husband. When I visited the area in July, the flags were red or double red almost the entire week (pre-Dennis week). My husband, along with MANY other tourists who should have known better - kept going in the water. I refused to let my husband take our 5 year old son in the water, opting to stay in the pool and on the beach (not the most fun vacation we've ever had - this was the source of many arguments over the course of the week). Even though the flags were red, the resort put out beach chairs for rent, inviting people to enjoy the beach, and I just do not think people realize the danger.
I - being extremely paranoid and used to the Sarasota and Pinellas area beaches and their swimming pool-like conditions - researched the riptide phenomemon extensively before our vacation, and there is no way I would ever take a chance with my child. I wouldn't even let him in the water with a yellow flag - he is just too little and not a strong enough swimmer. Plus, in a panic situation, a child is not going to remember to swim parallel to shore until he/she is released from the current. I do not think the property management companies in the area do an adequate job in educating renters about the flag system - maybe they are afraid of scaring tourists away and losing money. Of course, people need to take personal responsbility and know what they are getting into before they get into the water (this is easy for me to say however because I grew up in Florida). People who did not grow up around the ocean do not realize how grand and powerful it is and how small we are compared to it.
Please explain something to me....Did your husband see and understand the meaning of red/double red flags?? I'm guessing you told him if not. I think you see the problem right there then...total disregard of the warning system. Thank God children have two parents most of the time.
beachwanabe
08-31-2005, 09:52 AM
I am from the St. Louis Mo area, have been a frequent renter to Carillon Beach/Pinnacle Port west on 30A to Santa Rosa since 1986. I knew about undertow, but it took me quite a few years to hear or learn about rip currents.
Each renter should get a simple pamphlet explaining the dangers of the ocean when they sign there rental agreement or make payment. For those of us ignorant of the dangers you can go to the following site:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/rip-current.htm
Thanks to all for the great info and up to date pictures of the beaches of South Walton. Canceled our August trip but hope to enjoy time there this winter.
Paula
08-31-2005, 10:04 AM
Are all the safety flags up again since Dennis? I think many were torn down by the storm and not all have been replaced.
Is there a number or website people could check for conditions if they don't have a flag near where they are staying?
Are all the safety flags up again since Dennis? I think many were torn down by the storm and not all have been replaced.
Is there a number or website people could check for conditions if they don't have a flag near where they are staying?
Not all of the poles have been replaced.
Flag conditions here:
http://www.swfd.org
Smiling JOe
08-31-2005, 12:05 PM
Are all the safety flags up again since Dennis? I think many were torn down by the storm and not all have been replaced.
Is there a number or website people could check for conditions if they don't have a flag near where they are staying?
What Kurt said.
I did witness the double red flag flying high at Ed Walline Park, where the man drowned, both yesterday and today.
Paula
08-31-2005, 03:37 PM
Not all of the poles have been replaced.
Flag conditions here:
http://www.swfd.org
Thanks Kurt. Very helpful! Not everyone has internet at their rentals, but if they do, they may want to post the swfd link for guests, perhaps near where they post the "heed the flags" notices (again, we framed a copy of the South Walton crab flier and put the framed picture in the cottages -- it's attractive and eye catching and it shows guests we care...).
Paula you may be interested in this. Recently in a rental I saw the front page of the Walton Sun laminated from last year following the multiple drownings we had. The whole page was about the flag system, the types of dangers, and details of the tragedy. I couldn't think of anything more powerful to educate renters. If you contact them they may be able to get you a copy to laminate.
Smiling JOe
08-31-2005, 05:04 PM
http://sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/2/1/6/P8300028.JPG
What is so difficult to understand? :bang::bang::bang: we need to post pictures of dead stick people in an open coffin?
I see so many people these days read a sign and then do it anyway. There seems to be a pervasive mentality of "I'm different" or "I'm special" or "I'm above that". When I was growing up I was one of the few people that felt that way now everyone does. :lol:
Miss Kitty
08-31-2005, 05:16 PM
http://sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/2/1/6/P8300028.JPG
What is so difficult to understand? :bang::bang::bang: we need to post pictures of dead stick people in an open coffin?
Amen!
EZ4144
08-31-2005, 05:38 PM
The gulf is not a country club pool. If you can't swim good stay out of the water.
Paula
08-31-2005, 08:18 PM
Paula you may be interested in this. Recently in a rental I saw the front page of the Walton Sun laminated from last year following the multiple drownings we had. The whole page was about the flag system, the types of dangers, and details of the tragedy. I couldn't think of anything more powerful to educate renters. If you contact them they may be able to get you a copy to laminate.
Thanks, Kurt. I can probably get the article online as well since I subscribe to the Walton Sun. Good idea to be even more specific about the risks. There are so many other things to do other than go in the water when the danger flags are up -- we have a great pool, great porch, great stuff to do on 30A and elsewhere nearby, and one can always go to the beach and play ball, read, build sandcastles without going in the water.
As you know, I like getting and giving information on best practices for rentals -- everyone gains when we take care of our guests in SoWal.
Thanks, Kurt. I can probably get the article online as well since I subscribe to the Walton Sun. Good idea to be even more specific about the risks. There are so many other things to do other than go in the water when the danger flags are up -- we have a great pool, great porch, great stuff to do on 30A and elsewhere nearby, and one can always go to the beach and play ball, read, build sandcastles without going in the water.
As you know, I like getting and giving information on best practices for rentals -- everyone gains when we take care of our guests in SoWal.
They'll have to get it out of the archive. I'll make a call to see if they will do a joint project with us.
Moondance
08-31-2005, 09:17 PM
The gulf is not a country club pool. If you can't swim good stay out of the water.What if you can't talk good, any limitations there?
Moondance
08-31-2005, 09:26 PM
Each renter should get a simple pamphlet explaining the dangers of the ocean when they sign there rental agreement or make payment. For those of us ignorant of the dangers you can go to the following site:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/rip-current.htm
Thanks to all for the great info and up to date pictures of the beaches of South Walton. Canceled our August trip but hope to enjoy time there this winter.In addition, we have prepared a notebook for our renters with any number of pieces of cautionary and orientation/helpful information. For example, from an earlier post, I found the following and will be adding it to our book:
http://www.swfd.org/watersafety.php
Good stuff available on this board and available generally on the internet.
Smiling JOe
08-31-2005, 09:29 PM
In addition, we have prepared a notebook for our renters with any number of pieces of cautionary and orientation/helpful information. For example, from an earlier post, I found the following and will be adding it to our book:
http://www.swfd.org/watersafety.php
Good stuff available on this board and available generally on the internet.
I hope your renters can read good so they will know what to do. :rofl:
(Sorry, for the disruption. )
Ocean Lover
08-31-2005, 10:02 PM
We didn't have internet access so we watched beach tv (ch.12) and I'm pretty sure they posted the daily swim conditions. (my mind is fuzzy at the moment) Every piece of literature I picked up had Seymour the crab in it. The owner of the condo had a little magnet on the fridge instructing how to swim out of a rip current. We were very prepared thanks to sowal.com but I thought even when your average tourist visits, it would be hard to miss the warnings. I know there are so many that feel that this is their only vacation and darn it.. they are gonna swim in the ocean. What can you do?
Hmmmm, another drowning, another discussion about how to read the flags, no lifeguards. What's that definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over hoping for a different outcome?
Paula
09-01-2005, 07:29 AM
We didn't have internet access so we watched beach tv (ch.12) and I'm pretty sure they posted the daily swim conditions. (my mind is fuzzy at the moment) Every piece of literature I picked up had Seymour the crab in it. The owner of the condo had a little magnet on the fridge instructing how to swim out of a rip current. We were very prepared thanks to sowal.com but I thought even when your average tourist visits, it would be hard to miss the warnings. I know there are so many that feel that this is their only vacation and darn it.. they are gonna swim in the ocean. What can you do?
How does Beach TV show the flag conditions. I'd really like to give guests options for finding out about beach conditions so they have no excuse for not knowing, even if the flag poles are temporarily down due to storms. Do they show the flags on the hour? half hour? Any helpful hints?
Miss Kitty
09-01-2005, 07:42 AM
How does Beach TV show the flag conditions. I'd really like to give guests options for finding out about beach conditions so they have no excuse for not knowing, even if the flag poles are temporarily down due to storms. Do they show the flags on the hour? half hour? Any helpful hints?
I think they just give an explaination of the flag warning system in the area. There is no update of flag levels in my memory.
Smiling JOe
09-01-2005, 09:27 AM
Hmmmm, another drowning, another discussion about how to read the flags, no lifeguards. What's that definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over hoping for a different outcome?
Even the Sheriff's office on jet skis were not able to perform a rescue. I don't know if lifeguards would make it either.
Ocean Lover
09-01-2005, 07:14 PM
How does Beach TV show the flag conditions. I'd really like to give guests options for finding out about beach conditions so they have no excuse for not knowing, even if the flag poles are temporarily down due to storms. Do they show the flags on the hour? half hour? Any helpful hints?
During the weather broadcasts they would say..It's blue flag day out on the beach today or something like that. Maybe someone local could watch and give you more specifics.
BeachDreamer
09-01-2005, 07:39 PM
We watched Beach TV the whole time we were there, and I didn't see a single flag condition reported. And, unless you enter the beach at a public access or near one, you probably won't see a flag system the whole time you are there. I looked for them, and walked miles on the beach, and never saw a flag. It's impossible to put flags every 100 yards, I suppose, but giving conditions on television would make a big impact I am sure.
Ocean Lover
09-01-2005, 08:50 PM
We watched Beach TV the whole time we were there, and I didn't see a single flag condition reported. And, unless you enter the beach at a public access or near one, you probably won't see a flag system the whole time you are there. I looked for them, and walked miles on the beach, and never saw a flag. It's impossible to put flags every 100 yards, I suppose, but giving conditions on television would make a big impact I am sure.
If it wasn't beach tv then it was on the local weather on TWC. I know I heard or saw it somewhere.
aquaticbiology
09-02-2005, 11:00 AM
Beach TV is a loop tape running on an automated system (I had the 5 cent tour years ago). It would be easy to include an overlay (like the clear ones at the bottom that tell you the channel) of the current flag status. It was running out of the TV station on Back Beach Road in PCB, I think it's channel 7.
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