STORM2K

We have warning flags ALL OVER our beaches and yet tourists still don't get it! How many drownings do we have to have for people to heed the warnings?



DESTIN, Florida (AP) -- Five people drowned and nearly 40 others were rescued during the weekend as stormy weather churned the surf along the beaches of the Florida Panhandle, officials said.

The victims ranged in age from 9 to 62; four were visiting the area from other states, including Illinois, Texas, Georgia and Indiana, officials said.

One of those who drowned was Larry LaMotte, 60, of Atlanta, who died at Grayton Beach. LaMotte was one of CNN's first bureau chiefs, joining the company in 1980, but was no longer working for CNN at the time of his death, said spokeswoman Megan Mahoney.

He was the cable network's first bureau chief in Dallas and later was bureau chief in Los Angeles and Washington. He also was a national correspondent in Atlanta.

A sheriff's helicopter flew along the beach Sunday to warn people to stay out of the water, and red warning flags were displayed on the second day of wild weather.

Storms had moved out of the area Monday and water was calmer along the shore.

"We've had a very, very busy day," said Walton County Sheriff's Capt. Danny Glidewell. "I've been here a long time, and I don't remember any day as bad as this."

In Walton County, at least 28 people were pulled from the water. In neighboring Okaloosa County, at least 10 were rescued.

Most of those tourists have NO idea about what warnings there are in coastal areas because they do not live on the coast.

My heart and prayers go out to all those that lost their lives due to drowning.

Most of them do not know what an "undertow" is or the consequences of it either!

I agree.So many not used to the beach and it's dangers.. and also so many different foreign tourists..who cannot understand the warnings..I feel very bad for them..Although I have seen several Americans..IGNORE the warnings...Maybe NWS should consider bi-lingual signs..with smybols instead of text. This may help solve these senseless tragedies

Some people just adopt an "It'l never happen to me" attitude. What a shame!

We have Sheriff helicopters fling over EVERY single week-end verbally warning of the currents. There are also planes with warning signs dragging behind them. Red Flags flying everywhere! You can't go anywhere on the beach without seeing printed material on each flag, in MANY different languages. It is just so very sad, but there have been an over abundance of drownings here the last few years. WHAT MORE CAN WE DO?? One of the gentlemen that drown this week-end was a former CNN correspondent??!! Surely he had knowledge of these dangerous riptides?? I am not meaning to sound angry at these people because my heart grieves for them simply becasue these deaths should have never ever happened!

We vacationed in Destin just last summer and I was so shocked at this tragedy. I agree, people think it won't happen to them. I was especially sad to read the youngest victim was only 9. Prayers go out to all the families who lost loved ones.

I will never go in such waters because I can't swim worth junk. Poor people.

If ever caught in an undertow or "rip current" swim parallel to the shoreline.

This brings back a tragedy that also happened at the Great Lakes recently. The kids were warned the currents were bad and they chose to go in the water anyway. One drowned and the others could not help.

Miss Mary, Destin has beautiful beaches and the best that Florida has. Even the water is prettier there. (IMO). I am lucky I am but a few hours from there. hee hee. Was just there this past weekend and camped out at the KOA.