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Jasper family rescued from Galveston beach waters as officials searched for missing teens

On Monday afternoon, Lieutenant Austin Kirwin with Galveston Beach Patrol spotted the family of four from Jasper struggling against the currents.

GALVESTON, Texas — With spring break approaching for Southeast Texans, officials are urging beach-goers to practice water safety.

On Tuesday, a body was recovered around 2 a.m. during the search for twin brothers who went missing Sunday evening in the water near Pleasure Pier in Galveston, according to Galveston Island Beach Patrol officials.

Authorities were able to determine that it was one of the twin teen's bodies by what he was wearing and how he looked before notifying the family.

As of Wednesday, officials are still looking for his twin brother. 

The same beach patrol conducting that search, saved a family from Jasper on Monday afternoon as he was on his way to update news media about the search for the twins. 

Lieutenant Austin Kirwin with Galveston Beach Patrol spotted a family of four struggling against the currents.

"Looked to be about three swimmers in distress which is what we call swimmers having trouble in the water. Basically turned around and got down there realized it was four of them. Called for back up and went to go grab 'em to pull them back to shore and bring them back to safety," Kirwin said. 

The Jasper family was luckily pulled to safety, but Kirwin stresses if you are a weak swimmer, to take certain precautions before entering the ocean.

"We recommend finding one of those towers with a lifeguard in it. You will know there is a lifeguard in it, because there is raised flags above it then swimming near that life guard," Kirwin said. 

Kirwin says It's critical to swim near a life guard tower or if you are not a strong swimmer at all, to wear a life vest.

"If you do not know how to swim or a poor swimmer we recommend you not going out to the water. If you do want to recreate, we suggest wearing a life jacket. Never swim alone always have a buddy with you," Kirwin said. 

It's important to look at your surroundings and pay attention to what color flag the beach is using as it corresponds with how harsh the waves are.

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