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Video taken by witness Shane Gentry shows dozens of people as they link arms on the shore, ushering people to safety.

\"PHOTO:
Shane Gentry
PHOTO: Beach-goers in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, formed a human chain to help get swimmers out of the rough surf.
>

Lifeguards and the fire department also had to rescue several individuals from the ocean, a town official told ABC News.

The official hypothesized that people wanted to take advantage of the sun after rainy weather plagued the area.

\"The sun came out,\" the official said, \"and I suspect that some folks had cabin fever, despite red flags.\"

\"PHOTO:
Shane Gentry
PHOTO: Beach-goers in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, formed a human chain to help get swimmers out of the rough surf.
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