Updated

Updated · Fox News · Aug 11

Georgia Teacher Derrick Moore, 47, Dies Saving Girl From Myrtle Beach Rip Current

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Aug 11

Georgia Teacher Derrick Moore, 47, Dies Saving Girl From Myrtle Beach Rip Current

Q: Why do safety experts warn against the exact type of heroic water rescue that cost this father his life?

Safety experts warn against untrained “go-in” rescues because they often turn one victim into two. In rip currents, even strong swimmers can be overwhelmed by fast-moving water, fatigue, panic, waves and limited visibility. The person in distress may also grab or climb onto the rescuer in survival mode, pulling both under. That is why beach and drowning-prevention agencies teach “reach or throw, don’t go.” The safer response is to call 911, alert a lifeguard, and use a flotation device, rope, boogie board, cooler or anything that floats from shore rather than entering the water yourself. Experts say bystanders should go into the water only if they are trained and equipped for surf rescue. Rip currents are especially dangerous because they can look less threatening than they are. They do not usually pull people straight under; they pull them away from shore through a narrow channel. A rescuer who swims directly against the current can quickly exhaust themselves. If caught in one, standard guidance is to stay calm, float, signal for help, and swim parallel to shore until out of the current, then angle back in. Moore’s death also reflects another major safety lesson: unguarded water is far riskier. Authorities said lifeguards were off duty when the Myrtle Beach incident happened. Safety officials consistently advise swimming near staffed lifeguards, checking beach warning flags, and avoiding rescue attempts in dangerous surf unless professionally trained.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 11

Myrtle Beach police said Derrick Moore, 47, disappeared after pushing a young girl to safety from a rip current near 10th Avenue South on Friday evening; his body washed ashore and was recovered Saturday.
The rescue happened around 7:53 p.m. after lifeguards had gone off duty, and Moore's daughter said he did not know the girl he saved.
DeKalb County School District confirmed Moore taught at Rockbridge Elementary, where students called him "Coach," and said his care and dedication left a lasting mark.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Samford University and friends joined family members in honoring Moore as a devoted father of four whose final act reflected a life of selflessness.