(Emerald Isle, N.C.) — Four people were rescued from the water Sunday near the Bogue Inlet Pier according to Emerald Isle Fire Chief Bill Walker.

One of the four, a 48-year-old man, was taken to Carteret Health in critical condition.

According to Walker, Emerald Isle Fire got the call around 2 p.m about four people in need of help in the water. Once on scene, the four swimmers had already been pulled to shore by surfers. CPR was then administered to the man who was unconscious.

According to the Emerald Isle Fire Department, the beach was flying yellow flags Sunday afternoon indicating potentially high surf or dangerous currents.

Five people have already drowned this year in the Emerald Isle-Atlantic Beach area.