Swimmer Dies After Rescuing Child From Rip Current in Myrtle Beach
A swimmer who intervened to save a young girl from a rip current near 10th Avenue South in Myrtle Beach, S.C. was found deceased after being pulled under by the same current. The incident occurred after lifeguards had gone off…
Charlotte, NC, August 8, 2026 —
A tragic incident unfolded in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where a swimmer lost their life after successfully rescuing a young girl from a dangerous rip current. The event took place near 10th Avenue South.
According to preliminary details, the swimmer observed the child struggling in the water and entered the ocean to provide assistance. The swimmer managed to save the girl from the rip current but was subsequently pulled under by the same powerful water movement and could not be recovered safely.
The rescue attempt and subsequent death occurred after official lifeguard duty hours had concluded for the day. The exact time of the incident was not immediately provided.
The identity of the swimmer has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to be released by local authorities as the investigation continues.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water moving directly away from the shore. They can be a significant hazard to swimmers, especially in areas without active lifeguard supervision. The U.S. Lifesaving Association reports that rip currents are responsible for a significant number of lifeguard rescues and drownings annually.
Story summarized from the original created by Giani Petersen, WMBF News staff, Jordan Gartner on www.wbtv.com, see more information here.
