The Coast Guard is searching for a 17-year-old who went missing from Surfside Beach and a 16-year-old from Matagorda Beach. Both were reportedly swimming with friends and didn't return.
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The conditions are so bad along the Gulf right now that lifeguards are telling people to stay near the shore, and Red Flag warnings are in effect across several beaches.
The first 17-year-old was reported missing around 8 p.m. Sunday when he failed to return to the shore with his friends after going for a swim. The Coast Guard deployed helicopters and boats but could not find him.
A very similar situation unfolded about 50 miles down the coast near Matagorda.
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A 16-year-old was reported missing after failing to return to shore swimming with his friends.
16-year-old swimmer missing at Matagorda Beach
Galveston Beach Patrol is seeing strong rip currents and rough surf, so lifeguards are telling adults who know how to swim to go no further in the water than waist deep. For kids and inexperienced swimmers, the recommendation is to stay near the shoreline in ankle deep water.
If you are coming to the beach, go to areas that have manned lifeguard stations.
SEE ALSO: What you need to know about rip currents
What you need to know about rip currents