The Walton County Sheriff’s Office says an off-duty deputy sheriff from Mississippi drowned in the Gulf at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort while trying to rescue his 10-year-old son from heavy surf. 33-year-old William Nichols, a deputy with the Desoto County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi, was able to assist his son who made it back to shore safely, but he was caught by strong currents. Red flags were flying on on South Walton Beaches at the time. CPR was performed but Deputy Nichols could not be revived.