Body of Good Samaritan recovered after rip current rescue in Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — After successfully rescuing a young girl from a rip current Friday night, a Good Samaritan was pulled underwater and later found dead.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:53 p.m. near 10th Avenue South in Myrtle Beach, after lifeguards had already gone off duty.
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According to authorities, the Good Samaritan managed to get the girl to safety before being pulled underwater by the current.
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The Myrtle Beach Police and Fire departments launched a search that continued into the following morning.
Authorities confirmed that the missing swimmer's body washed ashore and was recovered at 1:00 p.m. Saturday.
Rip currents typically move at 1 to 2 feet per second, but dangerous swells can accelerate up to 8 feet per second.
This intense speed allows them to rapidly overpower swimmers and sweep them far out to sea.