While this many reported drownings in such a short period of time is unusual, the NWS has recorded 195 rip current deaths since 2002 on Panhandle beaches.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images for IRONMAN fileDeadly rip currents are to blame for a dozen apparent drownings over the past two weeks on Florida's Panhandle, where there aren't enough lifeguards to keep beachgoers from venturing out into the water — despite red flag warnings, experts said Wednesday.
Adding to the danger is the chronic shortage of qualified lifeguards, said Tom Gill, a spokesman for the nonprofit United States Lifesaving Association. Seven of the 12 deaths were reported in Panama City Beach, which now has the highest number of apparent drownings in any single locale in the U.S. this year, according to theBy comparison, as of Wednesday there have been a total 60 apparent drownings in the entire country, according to the NWS website.
“Hiring is a struggle,” Ingram said in a text exchange. “We are competing with other beach communities, some of whom offer higher wages. Many times we get college kids who go back to school.”on the department's Facebook page
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