Person was caught in undertow while attempting rescue off Navarre Beach.

Staff report

NAVARRE BEACH — A good Samaritan is in critical condition following the rescue of two swimmers on Saturday night.

According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at 6 p.m. to an “in progress” call concerning distressed swimmers in the Gulf of Mexico off Navarre Beach.

After arriving on scene, it was learned that two juveniles had ventured too far into the water and were having difficulty swimming. Two nearby surfers saved the two young swimmers, but a witness reported that a third good Samaritan got caught in an undertow while trying to save one of the young swimmers.

Rescue teams were able to pull that person out of the water and deputies immediately began CPR. The unidentified person was life-flighted to an area hospital in critical condition, according to the release.

According to the National Weather Service and Santa Rosa Emergency Management, weekend surf conditions are moderate and expected to remain that way the entire week. The Sheriff’s Office urges caution when swimming in the Gulf and observe all safety flag warnings.