Two Swimmers Drown Despite Surf Warnings

Matt Boster

Viewed: 10711

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Jul 22 2012 9:51 AM

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Two people drowned and a third died from a heart attack after being rescued from the water while swimming in dangerous surf conditions Saturday.

The two drowning victims were identified as Charles Smith, 49, of Panama City Beach, and Fredrick Tillman, 25, of Jackson, Miss.

More than 25 swimmers were rescued from the surf, as people continued to enter the water after beach-warning flags were changed to double-red at 11:30 a.m., according to the Panama City Beach Police Department. By 3 p.m. police reported responding to at least 20 swimmers in distress, three of whom were taken to a local hospital. By 5 p.m., Whitman said the number had increased to approximately 25

<- back