VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Thousands of people are out of the house and back at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to soak up the sunshine and warm weather, but Emergency Medical Service leaders are urging beach-goers to stay vigilant while enjoying the July 4th holiday.
Additional Virginia Beach EMS crews and lifeguards are on standby, as they warn swimmers to be alert while heading into the ocean.
Already, eight people have drowned along the US Atlantic Coast after getting caught in a rip current, and health leaders in Virginia Beach do not want that to happen to anyone in the Resort City.
"The important thing with that is to just swim near a lifeguard, said Rob Gramkowski, Division Chief with Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services. "If you are at one of the beaches in the area that does not have a lifeguard, make sure you are swimming with a buddy and make sure you are paying attention to the water around you."
Gramkowski said if a swimmer is caught in a rip current, they should remain calm and swim parallel to the shoreline to get out.
He also warned there are dangers for people who only stick to the coast.
"Make sure that your tents and umbrellas are firmly secured into the ground," said Gramkowski. "Nationwide we've had accidents where the wind takes umbrellas and injures people with either minor injuries or severe injuries, we don't want anyone to get injured while they are here."
Data from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission indicate that nearly 3,000 Americans are rushed to the hospital each year due to umbrella-related injuries.
Gramkowski said he wanted families to stay alert, but to also enjoy the warm weather. He encouraged lots of water, shade, and sunscreen for all families looking to visit.
"Just come on out! Make sure you are protecting yourself but also have fun, that's what we want, for everyone to have fun."