NEWBURYPORT (CBS) Three people were rescued Wednesday afternoon in the area of Plum Island after they were swimming off a sand bar in the Merrimack River.

The three adults were in an area they shouldnt have been swimming in when they became distressed, the harbormaster said.

A husband and wife went onto the sandbar at low tide to enjoy the view of the Merrimack meeting the ocean.

The danger is going out at low tide and then losing context of when the tides coming in, said Bill Hickey, of Newburyport.

The tidal shift swallows much of the sandbar, leaving people blocked in by the swift current, where a misstep can put someone in over their head.

Although at low tide it seems safe, its just simply not safe with the current, so its just not a place that you want to swim, said Jennifer Charos, of Plum Island.

Just before 3:30 p.m., 911 callers reported a couple struggling in the channel. A Good Samaritan who jumped in to help also ended up in distress. The harbormaster rescued two of the people and the Coast Guard saved the third.

The current will take you away, Hickey said.

The three were brought to the dock for medical evaluations, and one was transported to the hospital.

There were no lifeguards on duty because of COVID-19.

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3 Swimmers Rescued From Merrimack River Near Plum Island - CBS Boston