Georgia man drowns after rescuing young girl from dangerous rip current at Myrtle Beach

A Georgia man died after rescuing a young girl from a dangerous rip current at Myrtle Beach on Friday evening.

Derrick Moore, 45, entered the water near 10th Avenue South around 7:53 p.m. after seeing the child struggling in the surf. Lifeguards had already gone off duty when the incident occurred.

Moore successfully reached the girl and pulled her from the current, but he was swept underwater moments later. Myrtle Beach police and fire crews launched an overnight search. His body was found Saturday morning and later recovered near 11th Avenue South, authorities said.

Moore’s family told WRAL he did not know the child before jumping in to help. They identified him as a Georgia teacher and father of four.

“We loved him and are truly heartbroken that he’s gone,” his daughter said in a statement.

“He was a great father and we are all going to miss him.”

Officials have not released details about the young girl’s condition. Witnesses described strong rip currents in the area at the time of the rescue.

Rip currents are fast‑moving channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore. The National Weather Service advises swimmers caught in a rip current to stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline until free of the current.

Moore’s death has prompted renewed warnings for beachgoers to check tide conditions and remain cautious when lifeguards are off duty.