JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Memorial Day is one of the busiest days of the year at our area’s beaches and it means lifeguards are working extra hours to keep you safe. Just Sunday alone eight children were reported missing.
Families coming from all over to get some sun, sand and salt.
“It's a pretty good day,” said Barry Bing, visiting Jacksonville Beach from Lake City. “A lot of people out. Seems like it's a good fun event.”
It makes it a challenge for first responders who are working around the clock to keep the flocks of beachgoers safe. News4Jax rode along with guards Monday afternoon. They said they’re keeping an eye out to make sure people are safe both in and out of the water.
“It leads right behind July 4 is one of our busiest days,” said Lt. Max Ervanian of Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue.
The heat is a big factor, causing some medical issues, and pipes from the dredging project are potential hazards.
They also deal with a lot of missing children. All eight missing kids from Sunday were reunited with their parents. Monday, there were two water calls with no injuries, six calls for EMS, none of which were serious, and three missing kids who were all reunited with their families within minutes.
The guards are working hand in hand with police and firefighters they too have extra resources for the holiday weekend.
“It looks pretty safe,” Bing said. “You see a lot of lifeguards out. It makes you feel like you're protected.”
The lifeguards in Jacksonville Beach are volunteering this Memorial Day so they’re working for free. It’s another reason to go up to them and say thank you!