HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — A total of 20 rescues involving 33 people were made by Ocean Rescue in Hollywood over the weekend amid strong rip currents, a spokesperson for Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety said.

According to the spokesperson, Ocean Rescue personnel stayed at the beach until 7:30 p.m. Sunday to keep beachgoers safe.

On Sunday, red flag warnings lined South Florida beaches, and for good reason.

“It’s pretty powerful, for sure,” said beachgoer Ethan Jacobson. “If you get out there a little bit, you definitely get pushed around pretty easily.”

The rip current danger along the coast has put beach visitors on notice.

“I’m not a swimmer, so I stay close to shore,” said Ken Harris.

At times, lifeguards could be heard blowing their whistles to get the attention of swimmers who strayed too far into the water.

“Definitely gotta be aware,” said Jacobson. “You can’t go out there just blindly. Bad things can happen quick.”

On Friday, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials said they performed over 50 water rescues, and transported two people to the hospital.

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