JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla -- Folks flocked to Jacksonville Beach Wednesday to celebrate America's independence. But as temperatures soar into the 90's, Jax Beach Ocean Rescue crews urge people to remember water is key to staying safe.
For Jax Beach Ocean Rescue, the Fourth of July is their busiest day of the year. Action News couldn't even make it through an entire interview with one of the instructors without them rushing off to a call.
One of the biggest issues they anticipated was heat exhaustion. Tommy Simmons's crew planned ahead, even brought their own tent.
"Stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, we have Gatorade plenty of fruit all kinds of good stuff," he said.
Susan Ranalli and her family kept cool by taking dips in the water. She knows in no time at all, the fun in the sun can turn tragic.
"I actually think it can be more quickly than you think," she said. "I think we have to pay attention to the fact that if they're starting to show that they're tried, in all honesty I think no longer than two hours and again making sure there's fluids and they drink a lot."
And Sirmans says what you're drinking is key too.
"You need to drink water....and not alcohol," he said with a laugh.
Another thing keeping lifeguards busy was missing children. They stress while Wednesday was a holiday, any day can get crazy at the beach and its important to stay hydrated and keep an eye on your kids.
