Swimmers advised to stay out of Atlantic in Virginia Beach

VIRGINIA BEACH — A day after two men may have drowned in rough surf conditions , the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service is advising swimmers to stay out of the ocean Sunday.

The lifeguard service notified subscribers of the city's public safety alert system around noon on Sunday that the Oceanfront is experiencing red flag conditions and that inexperienced surfers shouldn't paddle out.

"Swimmers are advised to stay out of the ocean," the alert said. "Surfers should only enter if they are experienced in rough conditions."

Lifeguards use a flag system to notify swimmers of hazards. Red flags in lifesaving symbolizes dangerous surf or currents, according to the United States Lifesaving Service. During the summer months, Virginia Beach lifeguards can place red flags on their stands in the sand to alert beachgoers.

However, the lifeguard stands in the resort area were removed last week and red flags are not currently being displayed, according to Tom Gill, chief of the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service. Four guards in trucks and ATVS are patrolling the resort beach from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shortly before 8:30 p.m., police received a call about three males swimming in the ocean off 16th Street who were struggling to make it to shore, according to a release from Virginia Beach police.

First responders found one male washed ashore, the release said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition late Saturday. No new update was available Sunday morning, police said.

The two other males are missing. Members of the Coast Guard, Virginia Beach fire and police departments joined in the rescue effort, using helicopters, boats and all terrain vehicles.

The search was halted Sunday afternoon due to rough seas, said police spokesperson Jody Saunders, but was expected to continue.

To sign up for Virginia Beach's public safety alerts, visit the Smart911 website at and register your contact information.