OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) – In the days after Tropical Storm Debby hit southeastern North Carolina, the Oak Island Fire Department has stayed busy, responding to several swimmers in distress on Sunday and Monday, Aug. 11-12.

Video shared by the fire department shows Sunday’s rescue, in which several swimmers, including three juveniles, were rescued from the rough surf just after 5:15 p.m. The full video can be viewed below this story.

“All were safely rescued through the use of multiple resources, including rescue watercraft (Sea Doo), rescue swimmers, an aerial drone rescue tube deployment, and a remotely operated watercraft (sea drone) piloted by Oak Island Water Rescue,” the OIFD states. “Following Tropical Storm Debby, rip current and water quality conditions remained poor throughout much of the weekend.”

On Monday, three people were rescued from the surf by ocean rescue.

“The Ocean Rescue Unit (ORU) responded to a call where two beachgoers used a Water Safety Station Rescue Tube to assist a swimmer in distress. All three individuals (victim and two good Samaritans) were recovered by an ORU Rescue Swimmer, who made a safe extraction to shore,” the fire department states.

Those who choose to swim are asked to use extreme caution. In additional to possible rip currents, precautionary water advisories are in effect for all area beaches, and a swimming advisory is currently affecting parts of Oak Island and Wrightsville Beach. The full recreational water quality map can be viewed here.

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