FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – A 5-year-old drowned Saturday morning just north of Seaside Park in Fernandina Beach, according to the Fernandina Beach Fire Department.
Officials said at 11:52 a.m., Fernandina Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguards were flagged down by beachgoers reporting a child in distress in the ocean just north of Seaside Park.
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The incident occurred about 140 yards north of the lifeguard tower in about two to three feet of water. Officials said there were no rip currents noted in the area and lifeguards were flying yellow flags.
The 5-year-old had been pulled from the water by bystanders before the lifeguards arrived. Within moments, lifeguards responded, and lifesaving measures were initiated.
The fire department arrived shortly thereafter.
The child was then transported from the beach and transferred to a waiting rescue unit staged in the parking lot of Seaside Park to continue with the resuscitation efforts.
Despite the efforts of beachgoers, first responders and medical staff, the child later went into cardiac arrest again at the hospital and could not be revived, the Observer reported.
News4JAX reached out to the Fernandina Beach Fire Department and we are waiting to hear back.
