As a holiday weekend ramps up, many Americans are dreaming about spending hours on the beach with sand in their toes and a frosty drink in hand.
But before you go, know dangers are lurking, especially in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country: Panama Beach, Fla.
Three more people died there last week in drownings as dangerous rip currents tore through the waters where people congregated with families.
National Weather Service data shows that Panama City has had seven rip current-related deaths in the past nine days, more than any other beach in the U.S. in 2023.
Saturday’s victims were two men from Georgia, 39 and 63 years old, and a 68-year-old man from Michigan. On Tuesday, former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett drowned off the nearby shores of Destin, Florida.
Officials noted that numerous red flag warnings haven't kept people out of the water -- and safe. Swimming while a red flag is in effect carries a possible fine of $500.
"Our problem that I found is just the lack of compliance. The blatant disregard to heed the lifeguard’s warning,” Panama City Beach Safety Director Daryl Paul told WFLA.com.
Rip current deaths hit a nationwide high of 113 in 2021, according to the National Weather Service.
This year has already seen 60 surf zone-related deaths, including 27 in Florida. Thirteen people have died in Puerto Rico.