SACO (AP) — Officials say several swimmers are safe after getting caught in particularly powerful rip currents off a Maine beach.
Deputy Fire Chief David Pendleton says Old Orchard Beach’s lifeguard captain told him at one point on Monday, there were eight people in the water being dragged out to sea.
Authorities received a call around 4 p.m. about several swimmers in distress. Saco firefighters and seven lifeguards responded to Kinney Shores. Bystanders who heard cries for help also went into the water.
One man who assisted in the rescue says he’s never seen such high waves at that beach.
Pendleton says a man was hospitalized after he went in to rescue his young daughter. He ingested a large amount of salt water, but his condition is not considered life threatening.
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