After drownings in Virginia Beach, lifeguards caution swimmers

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.— Sunday marks one week, since two drownings occurred across the identical space in Virginia Seaside, and lifeguards say they’re elevating consciousness to curb every other drownings from taking place.

Whether or not you are on the pier, dipping your ft within the sand, or going out for a swim. Lifeguards are warning households about drownings.

“All of us keep collectively, they get in a little bit bit, however I do not get in a lot,” mentioned Rhona, a Virginia Seaside goer.

Rhona isn’t a lot of a swimmer. However she travels to Virginia Seaside each summer season to take in some solar. She says one of many causes she all the time comes again is due to the heavy lifeguard presence on the Oceanfront.

Gary Felch, Deputy Chief of Virginia Seaside Life Saving Service mentioned, “When folks come to this seaside they will all the time examine in with a lifeguard to ask about water circumstances, to ask about sandbars. If the water is harmful sufficient we are going to put up pink flags.”

Felch says that lifeguards are skilled to see the indicators of misery if any drownings occur. However simply final weekend nobody noticed these indicators. Two folks drowned close to Shore Drive, the place there aren’t any lifeguards round.

“Do not overestimate your swimming potential,” mentioned Felch.

Felch additionally says lots of people wish to stroll on the sand bars, however these could be harmful. Simply final week, lifeguards on the Oceanfront reunited 60 youngsters with their households and rescued 18 swimmers.

“What is going to occur is you may have a fast drop off the place the sandbars ended and it is again to deep water,” mentioned Felch.

We caught up with one lady exploring Virginia Seaside for the weekend. She says she doesn’t take any further security measures earlier than going into the water, however she is aware of her limitations.

“I will not go like far out deep or some folks you realize,” Margerie, a vacationer says.

Whether or not you are on the seaside and the waves are breaking otherwise you’re on the pool, lifeguards say should you’re in an space with out a lifeguard, it is extremely prompt you might have a swim buddy and be in an space with a lifeguard.