Authorities on the barrier island have been responding to distressed swimmer calls repeatedly so far today, from Brick Beach down to IBSP. Mutual Aid Rescue & Dive teams have begun staging with TRFD Station 27 to assist responding to the onslaught of calls. The Ocean Beach Volunteer Fire Department already has asked everyone to stay out of the water. From their Facebook page; “Please stay out of the water!!! All water rescue agencies on the barrier island are involved in multiple water rescues. The surf is extremely dangerous right now and life guards are off duty.”

Multiple beaches have police making announcements telling visitors the beaches are either closed, or to stay out of the water. With lifeguards being off-duty for the season, entering the water is dangerous for even the most experienced swimmers. Two victims were taken from Normandy Beach earlier with a surfboard; others have resulted in 10-88 (CPR-in-Progress)- making a direct run to the hospital.

So far every rescue has been a success; which a great testament to our local volunteer fire departments, EMS & Police! Also the local dispatchers whom coordinated multiple events simultaneously, between agencies with ancient equipment. Please don’t make the next call the first DOA.