It’s nearly Fourth of July weekend, and officials are reminding Northeast Florida residents to stay safe when taking part in water activities.
Max Ervanian of Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue says the biggest problem lifeguards faced last Fourth of July was beachgoers’ not listening to or complying with guards.
“All of our lifeguards will whistle at someone because they feel like those people are in danger," he said. "My lifeguards are 100 percent willing to educate all bathers and beachgoers on the dangers of different ocean conditions that happen.”
He also says lifeguards were busy with emergencies like dehydration and heat exhaustion. He says drinking water is key to staying safe throughout a long day in the sun.
At the beach, the Ocean Rescue team will be handing out wristbands parents can put on children with their contact information in case kids get lost.
Pete Goody of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Marine Office reminds boaters to plan ahead.
“We want you to check your boats before you go underway and make sure that your lights work, that you have all your safety equipment, that you have enough fuel to get where you’re going and get back," he said.
He says it’s important to remember children under 6 years old must wear life jackets on boats.
