Panama City Beach, Florida, has faced a concerning trend of being the deadliest beach in the United States for the second year in a row, with seven drownings reported within a short period of time. To address this issue, officials have implemented various measures to increase beach safety. This includes an additional $600,000 budget allocation for public safety, the addition of six full-time lifeguards, and the consideration of requiring flotation devices during dangerous conditions. Police have also cracked down on beachgoers who ignore double red flag warnings, issuing more tickets this year compared to last year.
These efforts seem to be making a positive impact, with a decrease in water rescues and drownings compared to the previous year. Lifeguards have conducted over 182,000 preventive actions to educate the public and prevent dangerous situations. Despite facing a lifeguard shortage, officials are focused on prioritizing preventative measures to keep beachgoers safe. The city emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with Gulf waters, where dangerous rip currents can be present even in seemingly calm conditions.
Ultimately, the city’s goal is to prevent drownings and save lives, even if it means potentially angering tourists by enforcing strict water safety guidelines. By increasing public education and lifeguard presence, officials hope to continue making progress in reducing water-related incidents and promoting a safer beach environment for visitors.
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