Thursday was a windy day at Hobe Sound Beach.

It wasn’t the kind of activity Martin County beachgoer Margie King prefers.

“I avoid water when it’s too rough,” King said.

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The situation may change at any time.

That’s why Martin County lifeguards have spent the last three weeks training for missing swimmers.

The simulation began with a 911 call to a dispatcher. The caller said, “I’m here on the beach in Hobe Sound, and my brother and his son, I think they got pulled in the water.”

Thursday’s task was to find and rescue one submerged swimmer and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on another who was floating on the surface of the water.

“The first few minutes are critical to finding them and resuscitating them for a successful recovery,” said Martin County Ocean Rescue Chief Ian Montgelas.

Thursday’s training included sea rescue, ambulance services and firefighters. How they all work together saves lives.

“Communication is probably the No. 1 thing we want to train ourselves on and make sure we’re solid,” Montgelas said. “If we don’t have good communication, it just delays the process.”

In 2023, Martin County had 71 water rescues, one missing swimmer, and 18 drownings or near-drownings. This year, there were 17 water rescues, one missing swimmer, and 16 drownings or near-drownings, including two or more deaths.

These numbers highlight the need to conduct this type of exercise.

Beachgoers like King agree.

“I just think the training is really important,” King said. “I appreciate what they do because there are so many families that go to the beach.”

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