Beach fatalities spike in Florida's Panhandle in 2023.
Panama City Beach has had the highest number of beach deaths in the US this year, with six fatal water incidents in the Gulf, including one in Bay County. Five of the incidents occurred on beaches without lifeguards. Beach safety officials urge people to take preventative measures, such as swimming near a lifeguard and not fighting rip currents. The city has established a program to partner with local businesses to bring more lifeguards to the beach, but only one business has signed up so far.