TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA) — As Memorial Day weekend kicks into gear, it is important to remember to stay vigilant in the water, especially after a near-drowning that took place Friday evening and left one woman in the hospital.
According to City of Treasure Island Fire Chief Trip Barrs, responders were called to the beach around 2:30 p.m. Friday for an EMS incident.
WFLA spoke with Chief Barrs, who said that a woman was swimming with her family when she either had a medical emergency or was overcome by the surf.
Chief Barrs also imparted some safety practices for people as we head into the holiday weekend.
"Certainly it’s not just for kids. Definitely keep an eye on your kids — it’s going to be crowded out there. There’s going to be folks drinking, and not in their right minds, and making not the best decisions, so it’s best if you are aware of your surroundings," said Chief Barrs. "When someone from your party goes in the water, keep an eye on them. Don’t overdo it, don’t overexert yourself. If you do get caught in a rip current, go with the flow of the rip and swim parallel to the beach until you get out of it, and then you can come back. It’s best to expend your energy signaling to someone that you’re in trouble than trying to fight a rip current, becoming overwhelmed, and drowning."
The woman was taken to the hospital, and her condition remains unknown.
