BRUNSWICK COUNTY — Within 7 minutes of being dispatched Sunday, Oak Island Fire Department rescuers safely guided a swimmer to shore at the west end of the island’s public beach area.
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It’s the first rescue of the season.
According to a press release from the Town of Oak Island, a 911 call was made about three juveniles swimming in high risk waters around 4:45 p.m. Flags were flying red due to the storm that had passed through.
Upon authorities arriving, two of the swimmers were safe and knee-deep on the shore. The third party, a 14-year-old, was struggling to swim and had ingested the saltwater.
Two rescue firefighters and a volunteer rescue firefighter helped the teenager. When back on land, the swimmer was alert and coherent, the release noted. However, the victim was transported to Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center for further evaluation.
The Town of Oak Island does not have lifeguards but instead has beach warning flags:
- Mounted on ALL Fire Department Engines
- Through the scannable QR code on the Water Safety Stations at each Beach Access Location
- Fire Station 1 (101 E Oak Island Drive)
- Fire Station 2 (8510 E Oak Island Drive)
- On the entrance of the Oak Island Pier at 705 Ocean Drive
- On the flagpole of Crossroads Gathering Place, at the base of the GV Barbee bridge
- Mounted on the Utility vehicles of the Beach Services Unit during all active patrols
- Volunteer partner Oak Island Water Rescue Station (4901 E Pelican Drive)
Signs are posted throughout the island that take users to the “Beach Safety” page of the town website as well.
Tips or concerns? Email info@portcitydaily.com
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