PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Two people were transported to local hospitals in critical condition Sunday afternoon after being pulled from the ocean in Ponte Vedra Beach and Hanna Park.
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According to St. Johns County Fire Rescue, around 12:35 p.m. a woman in her 50s was pulled from behind the oceanfront pool at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club.
She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, officials said.
“If you can get a message out to the public to stay out of the water, we are pulling people out left and right,” an SJC Fire Rescue spokesperson told News4JAX.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office also confirmed with News4JAX that a person was transported to a local hospital in critical condition after being pulled from the water at Hanna Park.
Two others were also rescued from the water in Hanna Park and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
On Saturday, the Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Division urged beachgoers to stay out of the water amid dangerous ocean conditions expected throughout the weekend.
MORE | Jacksonville Beach visitors urged to stay out of the water amid dangerous ocean conditions
The National Weather Service Jacksonville office issued a High Rip Current Risk for Duval County through the weekend.
⚠️🌊 A **High Risk** of Rip Current Continues through tonight at all area beaches
— NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) October 13, 2024
🚨 A HIGH #RipCurrent Risk means the surf is dangerous for *ALL LEVELS* of swimmers
🏖 Always follow the advice of local beach patrol & beach flags
🕶 Be #BeachSmart!#flwx #gawx #jaxwx @JaxReady pic.twitter.com/eY7R5Aof2L
Officials urged beachgoers to take the following precautions:
- Avoid entering the water unless you are a highly experienced ocean swimmer or surfer
- Always swim in front of a lifeguard, who can assist quickly in case of an emergency
- Call 911 immediately if you see someone in distress. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself, as this can put you at significant risk. Trained professionals will handle the situation.
According to SJC Fire Rescue, beaches were being closed in the southern part of the county due to the high rip currents.