Quick action by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) officers averted a potential tragedy at Huguenot Park on Saturday afternoon when three children were caught in a rip current.
The incident unfolded when officers heard cries for help from a young boy in the water. Moments prior, officers had observed beachgoer Steven Insco carrying a small boy and girl out of the ocean.
Without hesitation, Beach Patrol Officer Tyler Sweeney removed his vest and gear, grabbed a buoy, and entered the water to reach the boy who was calling for help.
Simultaneously, Officer Billy Crocker attended to an 8-year-old girl who was unconscious. Officer Crocker prepared to administer CPR, but after giving her a sternum rub, she began to show signs of recovery.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene, provided oxygen, and transported the young girl to a local hospital for further treatment.
Meanwhile, Officer Sweeney successfully located the boy in the surf and brought him safely back to shore.
On Sunday, Officer Crocker followed up with the recovered girl at the hospital and confirmed that her condition had improved significantly and that she would be released soon. Officer Crocker was recently recognized as JSO’s Police Officer of the Month for his work in solving a hit-and-run case involving a 6-year-old.
Authorities later learned that the children were at the beach as part of a T-ball team outing.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office emphasized the critical importance of water safety, stating, “We can’t stress water safety enough. Rip currents and rough surf are deadly. Adults and children need to be extra cautious, know their swimming abilities, and—if in doubt—stay out.”
The JSO expressed gratitude that all three children are safe, acknowledging the potential for a far more tragic outcome.
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