UPDATE: Three People Die in Water-Related Emergencies - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

UPDATE: Three People Die in Water-Related Emergencies

UPDATE: Three people died Saturday in water-related emergencies on Panama City Beach.

According to Panama City Beach Police Chief Drew Whitman, two people drowned in the Gulf of Mexico and a third died of a heart attack after being pulled from the rough surf.

According to Whitman, Beach PD responded to more than 27 water rescue calls today, rescuing 25 people from the Gulf.  Meanwhile, the Bay County Sheriff's Office pulled 20 swimmers from the water, according to Ruth Corley, Public Information Officer.

Double red flags were posted Saturday morning.  "We are urging people to please stay out of the water," Whitman said. "The double red flags are there as a warning and we urge people to follow that warning."

In addition, a member of the Beach PD's rescue team was taken to a local hospital for treatment, Whitman said. Whitman said that the unidentified officer "was fine" and being treated for exhaustion.

The first drowning victim was at the Boardwalk Beach Resort. He has been identified as 25-year-old Frederick Tillman from Jackson, MS.

The second, 49-year-old Charles Smith of Panama City Beach, was at the Sterling Reef Resort on Thomas Drive.

The names of the other victim has not been released yet.