Insets, from left: Brian Wilks and Sara Wilks (Walton County Sheriff”s Office). Background: Miramar Beach in Florida (Google Maps).

The situation drew the attention of concerned beachgoers, who promptly contacted authorities around noon on Friday. Responding to the call, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office discovered the infant had been left without supervision for approximately an hour, according to a Facebook post by the Sheriff’s Office.

Fortunately, vigilant bystanders had stepped in to care for the baby, ensuring its safety until paramedics arrived to assess the child’s condition. As the emergency personnel from the South Walton Fire District were checking on the infant, the parents returned to the beach.

The parents admitted to deputies that they had placed the baby under the tent for a nap and went on a walk with their other children, claiming they simply lost track of time. This oversight, however, led to their arrest, highlighting the serious consequences of neglecting child safety, even momentarily.

“While deputies waited for South Walton Fire District personnel to arrive and assess the infant, the parents returned to the scene, where both admitted to placing the child under the tent for a nap before leaving with their other children, claiming they lost track of time,” a press release said.

The parents were identified as 40-year-old Brian Wilks and 37-year-old Sara Wilks, who were visiting the Sunshine State from Texas. They were arrested on charges of child neglect without great bodily harm. Paramedics confirmed the infant was not in distress.

“This incident serves as a reminder that even brief moments of inattention can have serious consequences and can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes,” the press release said.

Cops called the Department of Children and Families, which took custody of the kids until other family members could come from Texas to pick them up. The parents cannot have contact with the victim during the pretrial process and must comply with DCF, records say.

“We’re thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with the same kindness and concern they would show their own,” Sheriff Michael Adkinson said in a statement.

The Wilkses have since posted a $1,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for Nov. 18.