MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A father and his young son vacationing at Anna Maria Island were rescued after the pair were swept out by powerful rip currents.

Body camera video released by the sheriff’s office shows the man and a young boy being helped onto a boat by marine deputies.

“We were lucky to be in the area, because if we were 20 minutes away and got a call via 911 and dispatched to it, the outcome could’ve been different,” said Sgt. Russell Schnering.

The sheriff’s office said the rescue serves as a “reminder to use caution and look for posted signage regarding rip currents.”

“If you do become caught in a rip current, you should remain calm and try to swim parallel to the shore to move out of the current and then alert someone if help is needed,” the sheriff’s office said.

Experts say if you’re caught in a rip current, try to relax. Swimmers should try to tread water and call or wave for assistance.

If there is no one around to help, swim parallel to the shore until you exit the current, then swim directly toward the shore.