human chain florida

In a remarkable feat, 80 strangers restored faith in humanity last weekend when they formed a human chain to save a family caught up in a rip current on a Florida beach.

Jessica and Derek Simmons noticed a lot of commotion on the Panama City beach. Six members of a single family and four others who swam out to help them were caught up in a powerful rip current.

The beach didn’t have a lifeguard on duty and police were waiting for a rescue boat, but Jessica had other plans. She knew those 10 people couldn’t wait. “These people are not drowning today,” Jessica Simmons said she thought. “It’s not happening. We’re going to get them out.”

Beachgoers went into action, risking their own safety, by forming a human chain 80 people long. All 10 were rescued because Simmons’ quick thinking and dozens of people who wanted to help.

Roberta Ursrey went out to save her young sons who were boogie boarding when they got caught up in the rip tide. Other members of her family came out to help. Then strangers also tried to rescue them, only to be trapped as well. You can see video below of this heroic feat and hear from those who were there.

Wow! This world often seems so cold and sterile to helping strangers, but these folks not only saved lives, but they put their own lives at risk doing it!

You can watch an important video on how to survive a rip current here.

Share this if it gives you more faith in humanity!

Source: Washington Post

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