OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Lifeguards in Oceanside say this Labor Day weekend has been one of their busiest of the year, with dozens of rescues and even more close calls in the water.

Crews reported 59 rescues Sunday morning alone during the Oceanside Masters Swim Club’s annual pier swim. Since Friday, lifeguards have tallied at least 28 additional rescues while towers were open.

Tyler Berry, a longtime lifeguard and now captain, said strong currents and crowded conditions kept teams busy.

“We did have quite a few people that got swept down,” Berry said. “We had a few that got very, very close to the pier.”

Red flags flew along the shore throughout the weekend, warning swimmers of dangerous rip currents. Lifeguards say the risks are greater for people with limited swimming abilit

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