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Rough day for beach swimmers and lifeguards at Jax Beach

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — On Saturday, 9 distress swimmer calls and a total of 18 swimmers were brought back to shore by lifeguard assistance at Jacksonville Beach.

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“We are advising all bathers and beachgoers to listen and heed all lifeguard’s warnings and all posted flags and signs,” training and operations officer Maxwell Ervanian said in a statement.

As people head back to the beaches, Ervanian stresses to never swim alone and always swim in front of the group you came with. To be extra cautious, swim near lifeguard posts or where a lifeguard has been stationed.

In case of an emergency, dial 911. Do not attempt to rescue someone if you are not trained to do so.

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Jacksonville Beach is currently flying yellow flags today, but there are still lots of rip currents in the area. Yellow flag warnings indicate medium hazard with moderate surf and/or currents.

What do the warning flags mean?