🌊 A man in his mid-30s was rescued after struggling in the Gulf near Miramar Beach on Thursday afternoon.
🚑 Bystanders, lifeguards, deputies, and EMS crews worked together to provide lifesaving care.
🚩 Officials said dangerous surf conditions existed, though the incident is not believed to be rip current-related.
MIRAMAR BEACH — A man was transported to the hospital in critical condition Thursday afternoon after struggling in the water near Miramar Beach, according to the South Walton Fire District.
Emergency crews responded to the drowning incident around 4 p.m. on May 28, just west of the Whale’s Tail restaurant.
According to South Walton Fire District officials, bystanders reported seeing an adult male, believed to be around 35 years old, attempting to swim to a set of buoys located between the first and second sandbars when he began struggling in the Gulf.
Witnesses entered the water to help the man, called 911 and began providing care before first responders arrived.
South Walton Fire District lifeguards and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies took over medical care once they reached the scene. Beach Safety personnel then transported the patient off the beach to waiting Advanced Life Support crews, who continued lifesaving efforts before taking the man to a local hospital in critical condition.
Officials said single red flags were flying at the time, indicating high surf hazards and dangerous rip currents were present. However, based on witness statements and information from lifeguards, authorities do not believe the incident was related to a rip current.
The incident happened about a half-mile from the nearest staffed lifeguard tower, within what officials described as a “tertiary” coverage zone.
Following the incident, lifeguards reminded beachgoers to swim near staffed towers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., pay attention to beach warning flags and weather alerts, and call 911 immediately during any beach or water emergency.
South Walton Fire District said it could not release additional information about the patient due to privacy laws.
