Video shows Lee County deputy rescue three girls from rip current at Lovers Key

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

A Lee County deputy rescued three girls swept up in a dangerous rip current at Lovers Key State Park.

On Sunday, deputies were made aware of three girls struggling to make it back to shore as the rip current pulled them further out.

Deputy Raymond Tellez Ferriol jumped in the water with flotation devices and swam out to the girls. His quick response and bravery helped bring all three girls safely back to shore.

A rip current is a powerful, fast-moving channel of water that flows directly away from the beach.

People like Owen Maurizi understand how dangerous it can be to get caught in one.

"Me and my buddies were fishing down in Bonita, and I don't know for sure if it was a rip current, but we definitely got swept out a little bit, and we all kind of had to rely on each other to get out of it," said Maurizi.

At Lovers Key State Park, safety signs warn visitors about rip currents as soon as they reach the beach. The signs have pictures to show what to do if a current pulls you away from the shore. Even strong swimmers can get caught in dangerous currents.

"It's very important because when you have a bunch of tourists and people visiting from up north, most of them might not know what that is. So, first thing when you get off the beach and they see a sign, it'll definitely help them out," said Maurizi.

If you're caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.

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