Off-Duty GA Firefighter Dies Trying to Save Distressed Swimmers

For the second time in a week, an off-duty firefighter has died trying to save swimmers caught in a rip current.

Banks County Firefighter Richie Alford, who was vacationing in Panama City Beach, sprung into action when he spotted two people struggling in the surf, WSB reported.

He did not return to the shore. There was no word on the swimmers he tried to assist. 

Alford's son is an investigator with the Banks County Sheriff's Department.

His death comes less than a week after off-duty FDNY Firefighter Mark Batista drowned while trying to save his daughter, also caught in a rip current.