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Published: Mar. 11, 2022 at 7:21 AM EST|Updated: 2 hours ago
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Hotels throughout Chatham County are more than 90 percent full for the weekend of March 11-13. Thousands of those visitors will be staying on Tybee Island or spending some time at the beach.
Tybee Lifeguards have already noticed an increase of beach goers for the season and they want to remind you of a few safety measures to keep you and your family safe on the island.
Already this week they have responded to a rescue after someone was stuck on a sand bar. That is their most common call early on during the beach season.
What happens is people go out to the sand bar but then the tide swings too fast and the current is too strong that they aren’t able to cross and can get swept away.
“It’s one of those things that it looks really attractive from shore, a lot of seashells over there that look cool and you get over there and the tide swings and you aren’t paying attention to the tide, the tide will swing and it will catch you before you know it,” said special operations captain, Matt Bowen.
Tybee Lifeguards have already had a few incidents this year so they want to remind you, going out to the sand bar can not only can that be dangerous for swimmers of all ages but also for the Tybee Lifeguards that have to come in and rescue you.
Captain Bowen also reminds you to be aware of rip currents and if you find yourself in one, swim parallel to shore or float it out until a lifeguard can make their way to you. Also make sure you stay at least 150 feet away from the Pier as the pylons are full of barnacles that can cut you.
During the summer last year, they had a record number of crowds on the beaches of Tybee Island. They expect it to be just as busy this year or possibly even set a new record. IF you are heading out to Tybee Island soon, remember that it is already busy and parking will take a while to find as we are officially in the busy season.
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