JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue is warning people about beach safety ahead of the summer.
The Fernandina Beach Police Department said a man in his 40s drowned on Friday at Main Beach.
This comes days after a teen drowned on Easter at Hanna Park in Jacksonville.
RELATED: Teenager drowns on Easter Sunday at Hanna Park: JSO
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the teen was caught in a rip current while swimming.
Lieutenant Maxwell Ervanian said that as we get closer to summer, more people will start coming to the beach and filling it up. He said to pay attention to the different colored flags that indicate ocean conditions.
Red means high hazard and strong currents. Purple means stinging marine life.
Officials said, depending on your swimming capabilities, these flags should dictate whether you get in the water or how far out you go.
Ocean Rescue said the number one thing they want to stress is to never swim alone and always swim in front of a lifeguard.
“The second biggest thing that we want to stress to anyone, whether they are enjoying the beach or going into the water or what have you is in case of any land or water emergency, is to seek that lifeguard immediately. In the event you don’t see one is to immediately call 911,” Ervanian said.
He added that if you see someone in distress in the water, don’t try to help them if you aren’t trained.
Click here if you want to know the condition of the water before you head there.
