Swimmers rescued in Orange Beach

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WALA) - A Fox10 News viewer sent in dramatic video of a person being pulled in from the rough surf in Orange Beach. That was one of three swimmers saved by the Orange Beach Fire Department on Monday.

"We did have several swimmers in distress calls yesterday, a couple late in the afternoon where life guards and fire-fighters did respond and successfully brought them back to the beach," said Beach Safety Director Melvin Shepard.

Shepard said nearby beaches also had several rescues.

"It was really rough, but the problem was we had swells coming straight from the south," Shepard said.

Shepard said red flags were flying warning swimmers.

"Once the water piles up, it pulls straight back out, the waves pick you up off your feet and you can't touch. The surge pulls you away from the shore and people panic and try to fight their way back on the beach," he said.

Shepard said luckily no one drowned, but said the video should be a reminder of just how fast a fun afternoon can turn frightening when red flags are ignored.   

Orange Beach Fire officials say another rescue involving a child happened Sunday evening. That child was sent by life-flight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, he was kept overnight for observation but is expected to be okay.