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A North Carolina woman is being hailed as a hero after losing her life trying to save her drowning teenage son.<\/p>\n
On July 8, Shaunna Jernigan, 35, and her children were visiting Bertie Beach in Merry Hill, N.C., when a powerful rip current pulled her 14-year-old son, Timothy, under.<\/p>\n
The Bertie County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/a> shared details of the incident on social media, noting that Timothy was swimming near\u00a0his mother\u00a0and his 11-year-old sister, who were floating on an inflatable.<\/p>\n Timothy became distressed<\/a> after he \u201ccould no longer feel the bottom of the beach.\u201d Shaunna immediately jumped into the water to save her son, but both were caught in the current.<\/p>\n Read More: <\/strong><\/em>11 Things We Learned From Riley Strain Family\u2019s Lawsuit<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Bystanders were able to rescue the younger girl and bring her to shore. Shaunna and Timothy were later recovered<\/a> about 150 yards from shore.<\/p>\n \u201cLife-saving measures were performed on the mother and son, but unfortunately, they did not survive,\u201d officials said on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cOur community mourns with the family and friends of the victims. The family, friends, our community, and first responders need your prayers during this difficult time,\u201d they added.<\/p>\n Shaunna was described in her obituary<\/a> as \u201ca devoted mother, compassionate friend and cherished member of her community.\u201d<\/p>\n Her final act was one of profound heroism, as she risked \u2014 and ultimately gave \u2014 her life trying to save her son, affectionately known as Lil Tim.<\/p>\n Shaunna is survived by her husband, two children, her mother, and sister.<\/p>\n Timothy, an incoming freshman at Bertie High School, was beloved by those who knew him<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong><\/em> Tragedy on Lake Kissimmee: Husband\u2019s Desperate Grasp as Alligator Swims Away with Wife<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers of rip currents, which can change conditions suddenly and pull swimmers away from shore in seconds.<\/p>\n According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>, approximately 4,000 people drown annually in the U.S.<\/p>\n Experts suggest following these basic rules could save your life \u2014 or someone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n Knowing how to respond in these critical moments can save lives should tragedy strike.<\/p>\n There’s just something special about cranking country music with the windows down on a hot summer day when you’re headed to the beach. Here are our 25 favorite country songs about surf, sand, water and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRemembering Shaunna and Timothy<\/h3>\n
A Stark Reminder About Water Safety<\/h3>\n
Survive the Surf: 4 Must-Know Beach Safety Tips<\/h3>\n
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Before entering the water, always check daily surf and rip current conditions from trusted sources like the National Weather Service<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Beaches protected by lifeguards have a dramatically lower drowning risk\u2014just 1 in 18 million, according to the United States Lifesaving Association<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Stay calm and swim parallel to the shore<\/a> until you\u2019re out of the current\u2019s pull, then angle back safely to shore.<\/li>\n
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children in the U.S. and can happen quickly and quietly; constant supervision is key<\/a> to keeping kids safe near any water.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nSurf’s Up! Country Music’s 25 Best Beach Songs, Ranked<\/h2>\n