The Labor Day weekend garnered a huge crowd on the beaches of North Carolina, as many people were seen enjoying their hiatus from work to the fullest. However, their excitement turned to horror when two unexpected swimming tragedies struck one after the other.

Two swimmers drowned and lost their lives this weekend in the waters around North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The lively beach scene quickly transformed into a scene of mourning. The authorities posted warning signs about the dangerous swimming conditions in the area, making the fun-filled days on the beach seem like a distant memory.

Two harrowing swimming tragedies affect the Labor Day weekend festivities

On Monday, the U.S. National Park Service officials found a 28-year-old woman floating face-down on the water. The woman was unresponsive when the officials found her in rough waters near the coast of Avon. They have been reluctant to release any news about the swimming victim except that she was from Washington, D.C.

Less than 24 hours later, the NPS found another swimmer in similar conditions near Hatteras Island. The news about the latest victim reached the Dare County Sheriff’s Office at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The police department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Dare County Emergency Medical Services, and the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad responded to the call. According to People.com, two bystanders had seen the man getting distressed in the water and shouting for help. When they saw him disappear beneath the waves, they swam and rescued him.

The authorities declared that the 68-year-old man from Ohio died there. The victims had both succumbed to the strong surf in the area. Emergency responders gave both the swimming victims cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain. Following these two tragedies, the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina has sprung to action. They have assured the grief-stricken community that all necessary precautions will be put in place to prevent another tragedy from happening.

Precautions measures after tragic weekend swimming incidents

David Hallac, superintendent of the North Carolina branch of the NPS, released a statement warning the beachgoers of the “high energy surf conditions” in the area. He further said that these currents can produce large waves and threaten lives.

Hallac said, “visitors wading into the surf, even as shallow as waist deep, may be overcome by large waves, suffer injuries, and may be overtaken by rough ocean conditions”. His warning was not just for the novice swimmers as he added that even the “most experienced swimmers” will find it hard to survive in these conditions.

Read More: Moments After Struggling Under the Water, 22-Year-Old Texas Man’s Swimming Adventure Ends With a Tragic Fate

He has instructed the lifeguards to stay alert at all times and posted yellow danger flags all around the beach. He instructed the swimmers to wear a floatation device before entering the water.

Hallac expressed his sorrow, saying, “The Seashore sends condolences to the families and friends of the swimmers that lost their lives over the last two days”. He is hoping that these precautions will suffice and prevent any further tragedies from occurring.

Watch This Story: Top 5 Terrifying Images That Will Make You Think Twice Before Swimming in the Ocean