Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies Sunday (March 27) assisted in the rescue of two distressed swimmers in the Gulf of Mexico near the Majestic Sun Condominiums in Miramar Beach shortly after 3 p.m.
Lt. Mike Howell observed two distressed swimmers, a 15-year-old boy and his father, calling for help from approximately 80 yards offshore. He immediately stripped down to his uniform pants, borrowed a Boogie board from a beachgoer and entered the Gulf of Mexico.
Deputies Jeff McIntosh and Nick McMillian arrived to the scene within minutes and joined Lt. Howell in the water to assist in the rescue. During the event, an unknown surfer swam to the boy and safely brought him to shore while the WCSO battled the rough red flag surf conditions to bring the boy’s father to safety.
“The tragic loss of two swimmers last week in waters off Walton County beaches was very much on the minds of these deputies,” said Major Graham Fountain, WCSO Director of Law Enforcement Operations. “They took quick action, placing themselves in harm’s way to get the father and son back safely onshore.”
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Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:23 pm
