JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue is taking extra steps to ensure people stay safe on the Fourth of July holiday and throughout the weekend.
Ocean Rescue told News4JAX that the size of the waves at Jacksonville Beach was much bigger than what they’re used to for the holiday. As of Thursday at 4 p.m., there had been two water rescues, according to Ocean Rescue.
Ocean Rescue said they were ready for the influx of people, and brought extra lifeguards with lifeguard stands within about three blocks of each other – sometimes even a block and a half.
RELATED | Mayor reassures safety amid 4th of July holiday crowds at Jacksonville Beach | Going to the beach for July 4th? Read this first
Lifeguard EMT Response Officer Faeryn Lee said their job is to scan the waters carefully.
“We scan from our neighboring tower to our neighboring tower,” Lee said.
Lifeguard EMT Orion Feagin said the process is “very robotic.”
“Going back-and-forth like a camera just watching everyone in the water and counting heads, making sure nobody’s disappearing,” Feagin said.
If anyone is in trouble, Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue is always ready to spring into action.
Thirty-six lifeguards and six officers were on duty for the holiday, spread up and down the beach — ready to respond.
“I’m gonna get my buoy and go give it to him swimming. Make sure everything’s all right,” Feagin said.
That heavy presence of lifeguards and officers gave beachgoers like Shyheen Rollins an added sense of security. But with so many people, he said it’s important to stay on the lookout.
“You gotta be safe. You have to make sure you pay attention. Make sure you look after your kids and make sure you look after yourself,” Rollins said.
That includes looking out for others.
“I’m keeping an eye out on my kids and my loved ones, but if it came down to it and I had to help a person, I wouldn’t mind going out there and trying,” Rollins said.
The message from Ocean Rescue was simple.
“Have fun and be safe,” Feagin said.
MORE | Fourth of July: A busy but dangerous time for boaters in Jacksonville
Ocean Rescue told News4JAX they will have this same staffing throughout the holiday weekend.
For people who plan on attending the fireworks show, Ocean Rescue said their full staff will be at the beach until 7 p.m.
After that, a night crew will be ready to respond to any calls.