WCSO DEPUTY SAVES KAYAKER FROM RIP CURRENT EASTER SUNDAY
For Immediate Release
March 28, 2016
Miramar Beach, Fla— A Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy rescues a man from the Gulf under red flags Easter Sunday after he was caught in a rip current in his Kayak.
A call came in to Walton County Sheriff’s Office around 7PM Sunday night. The caller told dispatchers her husband had been caught in a rip current while paddling in his kayak and could not make it back to shore. She also stated that her son attempted to help bring him in on his boogie board, but was unsuccessful. The kayak was quickly sinking and the two were treading water in rough surf.
Walton County Sheriff Beach Patrol Deputy Eric Alexander responded to the area of the Majestic Sun and quickly entered the water with his rescue board. Alexander was able to get the man and his son to shore safely where he was checked by EMS.
“Eric entered the water confidently and without hesitation,” said Beach Patrol Sergeant Will Curtis, who also responded to the scene. “Everything went great with the rescue board like it was second nature.”
“We appreciate South Walton Fire District and the training they’ve provided us,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “It was extremely helpful during this situation and helped us save this man’s life.”
Red flags were flying at the time of the rescue. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage residents and those on vacation to remember to look to the flags for surf conditions. Rip currents are dangerous even to the most experienced of swimmers.
Walton County Sheriff Beach Patrol Deputy Eric Alexander responded to the area of the Majestic Sun and quickly entered the water with his rescue board. Alexander was able to get the man and his son to shore safely where he was checked by EMS.
“Eric entered the water confidently and without hesitation,” said Beach Patrol Sergeant Will Curtis, who also responded to the scene. “Everything went great with the rescue board like it was second nature.”
“We appreciate South Walton Fire District and the training they’ve provided us,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “It was extremely helpful during this situation and helped us save this man’s life.”
Red flags were flying at the time of the rescue. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage residents and those on vacation to remember to look to the flags for surf conditions. Rip currents are dangerous even to the most experienced of swimmers.
