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Former Guilford County Teacher Dies After Being Pulled From Water at a NC Beach

Pine Knoll Shores officials say the incident happened at the Memorial Park beach access.

PINE KNOLL SHORES, N.C. — UPDATE: Investigators say the man who drowned Sunday was 38-year-old Ernest Earl Foster Jr. He was a former science teacher at Smith High in Greensboro.

The district says Foster left Guilford County School in March. He began working for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in April as an 8th grade science teacher at Clemmons Middle School.

Guilford County Schools have confirmed Foster worked at Smith High from March 2014 to March 2019.

Other teachers at Smith High said Foster had a big impact on students and teachers in the school system. He was a mentor, a friend, and someone who was there to always guide his students. 

He also said the students are hurting too as well as his family. He will be missed and remembered for his impact. 

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One man is dead and three children are in the hospital after a water rescue Sunday in Pine Knoll Shores.

Pine Knoll Shores officials say the incident happened at the Memorial Park beach access.

According to CBS affiliate WNCT, just after 3 p.m., emergency crews conducted a water rescue. 

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The man was found by Atlantic Beach lifeguards on jet skis but died from his injuries. 

The three children were saved from the water with the help of floatation devices provided by beachgoers.

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The children are listed in good condition.

According to officials, Red flags were flying at Pine Knoll Shores on Sunday.

Earlier this week, police announced they were increasing patrols along the beach at Pine Knoll Shores.

Officials say red signs have also been placed in various parts of town. The signs show what beach access location visitors are at.  

"Many times they don't know where they're at on the beach which makes it difficult for our responders but if they call 911 and say we're at beach access B, and we need help, we know right where to go and get there faster," said Pine Knoll Shores Police Chief Ryan Thompson.

RELATED: New List Of NC Beaches With Lifeguard Stations

Thompson also added there are no lifeguards on duty in Pine Knoll Shore beaches. Stating that beachgoers swim at their own discretion and should carry a floatation device.

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