Three people, including two children, were airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition after they were rescued from the water off Johnson Beach in Perdido Key Thursday, WEAR is reporting.

A fourth person was transported to the hospital via ambulance in serious condition.

According to the report, the four people were pulled more than 100 yards off shore by rip currents around 2 p.m. Thursday. Three bystanders went into the water to help the victims, Escambia County Fire Battalion Chief Steve Boothe told the television station.

First responders arrived on scene and pulled the victims from the water.

The incident occurred in an area of Perdido Key where no lifeguards are on duty. According to the report, yellow flags were posted at the time of the incident, indicating potentially high surf or dangerous currents and undertows, and swimmers should use extreme caution.