VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — With the summer season in full swing, Virginia Beach firefighters are urging people to be safe on the water.
Friday, firefighters rescued four people from a sinking boat near Lesner Bridge.
Battalion Chief David Compton told 13News Now a 26-foot boat began taking on water Friday when boaters didn’t follow channel markers.
“On the water, there’s channel markers that you’re supposed to follow that’ll allow you to avoid scenarios like this," Compton said. "The ocean is unforgiving."
Crews used a jet ski to take the boaters to safety at the Lynnhaven Marina in roughly 20 minutes. No one was hurt. Compton said the boat did eventually sink; however, crews recovered it the next day.
Compton said the Virginia Beach Fire Dept. has responded to roughly 20 water rescues so far this season. The battalion chief urges people to brush up on their water safety before heading out on a boat this summer.
“Take a boat safety course, ensure that you have life preservers on your vessel, always check the weather prior to launching, and then, follow the navigational rules," Compton urged.
He also urges boaters to keep an eye out for others on the water.
"Just, overall, be safe out there. [Keep your] head on a swivel, constantly looking around because there's people out there that are kayaking...It's not just you out there by yourself," he said.
As Hampton Roads has already seen dangerously high temperatures this summer, Compton said remember to stay hydrated.
“Drinking alcohol, it dehydrates you. Drinking soda dehydrates you. So, hydration is key when it comes to being on the waterway," Compton said.