In a series of urgent incidents over the Easter weekend, emergency responders in South Florida performed multiple rescues amid challenging ocean conditions. These events unfolded as beachgoers were caught off guard by the intensified wave action and strong currents along the coast.

Rescue Efforts in Surfside

The first notable incident occurred on Sunday evening near the 8800 block of Collins Avenue in Surfside. First responders quickly responded to reports of an unresponsive man found in the water. Eyewitness Everlyn Borgs recounted her experience, noting the treacherous conditions prevalent at this time of year.

“This is a very dangerous time of the year, and you can get caught up in a current very close to the shores,” said Borgs.

Borgs observed as rescue crews battled the rough waves before successfully bringing the victim back to shore. “It’s very sad, and it’s the worst day of his life,” she added, reflecting on the serious nature of the incident.

Additional Rescues at South Beach

Shortly after the Surfside event, another rescue operation took place near South Beach, specifically around 16th Street and Collins Avenue. Emergency services managed to save two swimmers from perilous conditions; fortunately, they did not require hospitalization following their rescue.

Borgs reaffirmed the volatile nature of the ocean on that day, stating, “The ocean is very aggressive today, and the current is very, very strong.”

Tragedy Strikes at Fort Lauderdale Beach

Tragic news also emerged from Fort Lauderdale Beach earlier in the weekend, where a group of young swimmers found themselves in distress. Lifeguards successfully rescued three of them; however, a 12-year-old boy tragically drowned. His body was recovered later that evening, prompting a community response from family members who are mourning the loss.

A mother of one of the boys involved shared her account, highlighting the urgency of the situation: “They were having a hard time getting back in… the one boy was out there, and they kept saying, ‘He’s out there, he’s out there, there’s another one out there.’”

Safety Precautions and Advice

As local officials emphasize the importance of exercising caution, they advise beachgoers to be especially mindful during this unpredictable time. If caught in a rip current, they recommend staying calm and avoiding panicking. The key survival strategy includes swimming parallel to the shore and then making an angle toward land, while also signaling for help if possible.