By Cathy A. Pedersen Three adults and two children almost drowned Thursday morning in front of the Holiday Travel Park near Sandestin Resort when riptides pulled the swimmers out to sea. South Walton skies were clear aside from the numerous red flags flapping over the beach.
Red flags warn swimmers of the dangerous riptides the Gulf can easily cloak.
Within minutes the South Walton Fire District and Walton County Sheriff's Department was en route. First to plunge into the 3-foot sea swells were Lt. Sean Hughes and Asst. Fire Chief Gary Weiss of the South Walton Fire District. Following closely behind was Lt.