A red flag rip current warning didn’t stop beachgoers from getting in the water in St. Johns County.
A St. Johns County Fire and Rescue spokesman said only one swimmer needed to be rescued on Labor Day.
When 7-year-old Johnathan Blankenship sees the waves, he has one thing on his mind.
“Can I ride it all the way in?” Johnathan said.
But with the threat of dangerous rip currents, his mom and fellow surfer Cassady Blankenship isare keeping a close eye on him.
“I’m making sure I’m with him, making sure his leash is on and he stays where he can touch,” Blankenship said.
St. Johns County Marine Rescue officials warn that even strong swimmers can easily get caught up in a rip current on a red flag warning day. They recommend if you can’t swim a strong overhand stroke for 15 minutes, you shouldn’t wade into the ocean above your knees.
Beachgoer Keith Leckwold said he laid down some ground rules before his 5-year-old son got in the water.
“Oh yeah, he knows he only goes so far. If I’m not out here, then he’s not going to go in the water – or if my wife’s not out here. He has to stay ankle deep, that’s as far as he’s allowed to go,” Leckwold said.
Fire and Rescue said a jet skier crashed into a sand bar Monday and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Cox Media Group
