VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – You can see the beach at the Oceanfront is packed with families enjoying the sun and waves — since 10 On Your Side was out here Monday, we saw two calls for rescues in the water.
A day at the beach to enjoy time with friends and family.
“We’re hitting the beach today,” said Carlos Nichol, visiting Virginia Beach for Independence Day with his mom and friend from Florida. “It’s beautiful weather outside. You just gotta appreciate your time with your loved ones, especially on holidays.”
On the beach, lifeguards are working hard to keep everyone safe – with red flags up – warning swimmers of rip currents and dangerous surf conditions. Swimmers are only allowed waist-deep.
“I’ve seen a lot of whistles blown, but I haven’t seen anyone getting rescued,” said Dillan Horak, visiting Virginia Beach from Florida.
Tom Gill with Virginia Beach Lifesaving Services said over the weekend that about 175 people were pulled from the water by lifeguards.
At some times yesterday we were in a single rescue we were pulling 5, 10 people out at a time,” Gill said.
On Monday, 42 people were pulled from the water.
“Absolutely you need to be in front of those lifeguards,” Gill said.
In North Carolina, Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue also said they multiple water rescues over the weekend. According to a Facebook post, officials had 29 water rescues ad 17 medical calls from Friday to Sunday.
Gill says the lifeguards will be back on the Oceanfront for the fourth.
“I know it’s a party, it’s the fourth of July,” Gill said, “but please leave the alcohol for later when you are done with the beach, because between the heat, excitement, and the action we can’t have people impaired by alcohol.”
His advice?
“Safety first, stay hydrated, watch your children, watch out for these red flags and swim in front of the lifeguards,” Gill said.
The Resort City is using a website to let visitors know how to plan for a safe beach day.
