Caught in a Rip Current

July 2017, Panama City Beach

The Ursrey family was enjoying the waters. Suddenly, a viscious rip current swept away Roberta Ursrey’s two young sons (ages 8 and 11), her nephew, her mom, and herself as soon as she tried to save them.

They were trapped about 100 yards from the shore, screaming for help, while the panic sets in. Bystanders on the beach could’ve just watched or waited for help from lifeguards, but they chose to help. Jessica Simmons and her husband Derek spotted the chaos and rallied everyone to save the family. Around 80 strangers linked arms, forming a massive “human chain” stretching for into the water.

For over an hour, they battled the waves, passing the exhausted swimmers back to shore one by one. Roberta’s mom even had a heart attack during the rescue, but was fortunately revived on the beach.

Later, Jessica shared in interviews how she felt like “God put me in the right place at the right time,” while crediting the group’s unbreakable spirit.

Roberta Ursrey said in an interview that she thought it was “the end” until the chain formed and she praised the “angels” who saved them.

Four Years later, on the same beach in 2021

Two teenage boys from Kentucky were caught off guard while swimming and were yanked out to sea, about 150 feet from the shore. They were flailing, exhausted, and yelling for help as the water pulled them under. A group of quick thinking vacationers, including a couple on their honeymoon (Matt and Katelyn Buerhaus), noticed the distress and sprung into action. They convinced dozens of strangers to join in. Over 40 people linked up to create a lifeline that pulled the boys back in inch by inch. One rescuer, Brittany Monroe, even swam ut solo at first, but linked up with the chain.

The boys were pale and gasping but alive, thanks to the team effort.

In interviews, Matt Buerhaus told reporters it was “pure adrenaline and community.” This rescue echoed the 2017 one so much that locals called it the “Human Chain 2.0”

Aqua Ladder Rescue is attempting to tackle similar situations

Aqua Ladder Rescue was founded out of a desire to save those that find themselves in such situations. Whether in strong river currents or in deep waters, Aqua Ladder Rescue uses innovation to help save lives.

Sources

CNN article (July 11, 2017)
Panama City News Herald (July 10, 2017)
Follow-up interviews via ABC News (July 12, 2017)

USA Today article (July 13, 2021)
WKRN News (July 14, 2021, with family interview)
Local report from WMBB (July 12, 2021)