'It takes resources': Jax Beach lifeguards busy with missing children calls on Memorial Day – 104.5 WOKV

The crowds on the beach kept the lifeguards busy. Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue reportedly responded to at least one rescue over the weekend. But calls for missing children kept them busier.

“This is one of our most frequent calls. When crowds are dense, it’s easy and quick to lose children,” said JBOR Captain Rob Emahiser.

Rescuers responded to five calls about missing children on Sunday and had already received several before noon Monday.

“It consumes resources. There may be other life-threatening emergencies that we prefer to have resources for,” he explained.

Lifeguards recommend taking a photo of your child that day, writing down the beach access point you are near, and asking your child to remember your phone number in case it goes missing .

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The ocean also presents dangers. There was a yellow flag warning over Memorial Day weekend, meaning a moderate risk of rip currents.

“It can be misleading, but there is still enough movement and current that someone who is floating and relaxing could end up further from shore than expected,” Captain Emahiser said.

Ocean Rescue is fully staffed during the holidays with lifeguards at each of the 13 stations along Jax Beach. JBOR recommends swimming near a lifeguard.

Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day are the three busiest holidays for beach lifeguards.

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