Man in critical condition after being pulled from water off Panhandle beach
A 60-year-old man was in critical condition after being pulled from the water off a Florida Panhandle beach, according to the South Walton (Fla.) Fire District (SWFD).
Just after noon Thursday, beachgoers alerted a lifeguard that bystanders had pulled the unresponsive man from the water less than a half-mile from the lifeguard stand.
The lifeguard ran to the scene and found bystanders administering aid to the man. The lifeguard was joined by deputies from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in providing emergency care before additional SWFD and firefighters arrived and the man was transported to a local hospital.
Rescue personnel continued lifesaving measures when they arrived at the hospital before turning the man over to emergency room personnel.
Single red flags were flying on Blue Mountain Beach Thursday, meaning hazardous conditions are present and only strong swimmers are advised to enter the water. In the wake of the incident, the SWFD raised double red flags on the beach, prohibiting beachgoers from entering the water.