Search
Close this search box.

Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office stresses importance of water safety near Crab Island following drowning

Following the drowning at Crab Island on Sunday, the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office is re-emphasizing how important it is to be aware and knowledgeable when it comes to water safety, especially around Crab Island. “Crab Island is a swimming-Mecca, but not everyone realizes it can also be dangerous,” said Michele Nicholson, Public Information Officer for the OCSO. […]

Screenshot via OCSO safety video

Following the drowning at Crab Island on Sunday, the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office is re-emphasizing how important it is to be aware and knowledgeable when it comes to water safety, especially around Crab Island.

“Crab Island is a swimming-Mecca, but not everyone realizes it can also be dangerous,” said Michele Nicholson, Public Information Officer for the OCSO. “Boats maneuvering through crowds, sudden drop-offs around the giant sandbar and sometimes strong currents are big concerns.”

  • Sunday’s victim was reportedly swept away by strong currents as he and his friends were in the water trying to fix an issue with their rental pontoon boat, according to the report. 

“The current gets so strong that you can’t swim against it, and ultimately we have multiple people every year that perish in this current,” said Lt. Jason Fulghum, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. “This is why it’s important to make sure you know where you’re at, and make sure you know it’s shallow where you’re getting off.”

Lt. Fulghum recommends that boaters look at the other vessels around you to get a sense of where you are before jumping in, especially in a strong current.

“If your boat does not have a depth finder, look at the difference in water color from lighter to darker,” he added. “Know your limits, don’t take risks, and always have a life jacket close by.”

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“To God be the Glory! Thank you for sharing your story. God blessed you with two amazing sons who have both helped you to LIVE your PURPOSE.”
Respond
“Thank you for this story of Bryce. What an amazing person. I wish I could have meet him. Lakesha is very strong for wanting to help others even though she...”
Respond
“You hit the nail on the head, sad, but true. Greed and lawyers took the fun away.”
Respond
“So the park will become a million dollar parking lot for the entitled and the homeless will continue being shuffled off to parts unknown?”
Respond
“I wish that they would also bring in fill dirt to raise the level of the entire park. The ground is always soggy and mushy. A lot of the soil...”
Respond
“Although HB 1221 passed the House on April 25, the Senate has Indefinitely Postponed it and withdrawn it from consideration as of May 3, 2025. The bill to watch is...”
Respond
“3437 AUBURN Rd., CRESTVIEW, FL 32539”
Respond
“Thank you coming out to Al's this morning! Rock by the Sea is ecstatic to be able to return to this beautiful coast and amazing venues next year! It's going...”
Respond
“This would be nice to be dog friendly. As we have nowhere that is dog friendly. We have two parks and not one of them are dog friendly even on...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.