She was followed in quick succession by her husband, 31-year-old Albert, who goes by Bryan, her mother Barbara, 68, and her nephew Justin, 28. It was a harrowing experience for Ursrey, who fought desperately to maintain her strength as she swam against the rip current. She adds that the humanity and kindness shown to her by beachgoers continues to amaze her. Beachgoers, who had seen the family struggle against the tide, were determined to save them and formed a human chain leading back to shore.

Key Takeaways:

• Around 70-80 people were involved in the dramatic rescue effort on a busy Panama City Beach in Florida on July 8.
• The ordeal began when Stephen Ursrey, 8, and his 11-year-old brother Noah, were separated from their family and became stranded in the riptide around 90 metres from the beach.
• Ms Simmons said after 30 minutes in the water, the human chain managed to pull all the stranded swimmers to shore.

“Dozens of beachgoers, including some who couldn’t swim, joined together and linked arms to help nine people, including two young children, swept away by the powerful offshore current.”

Read more: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/11/beachgoers-form-incredible-human-chain-save-drowning-family/