The near drownings of two children over the weekend serve as urgent reminders that vigilance is mandatory around the water.
The first incident took place Saturday around five p.m. at Marler Park along Choctawhatchee Bay.
A five-year old Niceville girl required cardiopulmonary resuscitation after she was pulled from the water unconscious and unable to breath on her own. A White Wilson Medical Center employee provided lifesaving CPR until fire department units arrived to continue the aid.
The child was taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and was expected to make a full recovery thanks to those combined efforts.
The second incident occurred around the same time Saturday, but along the Gulf of Mexico at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin. An 8-year-old Mississippi boy was swept away by a large wave while near the shoreline and began struggling.
His 20-year old cousin was able to help, but also got swept out and became very fatigued, also swallowing a lot of salt water.
The child was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola to be kept overnight for observation. He and his cousin are expected to recover.
IMPORTANT BEACH SAFETY & RIPTIDE TIPS
Here are beach safety tips from the American Red Cross.
But keep in mind, constant vigilance is the most vital requirement when children are near water.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County after 2 near drownings: Vigilance is mandatory