Former Cobb Officer Drowns Saving Swimmers From South Carolina Rip Current

Anderson “Chase” Childers, a 38-year-old former Cobb County police officer and father of three from Georgia, died heroically while rescuing five swimmers caught in a rip current off Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Upon hearing calls for help, Childers instinctively entered the water and, along with another bystander, successfully brought the swimmers to shore but was tragically swept away by the current himself. Despite a coordinated search by Midway Fire Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard, his body was recovered about 90 minutes after the incident. Childers had a history of selflessness and bravery, having received a lifesaving award during his police service and previously played professional baseball for the Baltimore Orioles. His family and the community mourn his sacrifice, emphasizing his courage and devotion as a husband, father, and public servant. Local authorities are now increasing educational efforts to prevent future drownings in the area, which has seen multiple such incidents recently.