Near Drowning Shakes Panama City Beach; Bystanders Save Life

A beachgoer was rescued from the Gulf of America on July 24 in Panama City Beach following a near-drowning incident. Bystanders pulled the individual from the water near Beach Access 52, where emergency medical services were then administered by first responders and lifeguards. The event took place under single-red-flag conditions, indicating moderate surf and wind. As of the morning of July 27, the victim was still receiving care at a local hospital. Daryl Paul, beach safety director for Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, emphasized that the situation was not definitively resolved until the victim was released from the hospital. This incident follows two earlier drownings in Panama City Beach this year, both occurring on May 7 and May 25 near Beach Access 51 and 52, respectively, also under single-red-flag conditions. Lifeguard statistics for 2026 reveal a total of 23 rescues, 146 public assists, and over 834,000 preventative actions taken to ensure beach safety.