Hurricane Michael, now upgraded to a powerful category four hurricane, brought massive waves to Pensacola Beach Tuesday afternoon, more than 16 hours before its expected landfall.

Though red flags were flying and the dangerous waters were declared off limits to swimmers of all levels, lifeguards still found themselves bleeding whistles, yelling, and entering the Gulf repeatedly to rescue those who ignored the warnings.

A toddler was rescued after observers reported seeing him sucked into the water, "bobbing up and down like he was in a washing machine."

The child appeared OK after his rescue.

The hurricane is expected to make landfall near Panama City Wednesday afternoon as a strong category four hurricane. Meteorologists say it's a historic event; they can find no instances of a storm this powerful ever making landfall in the area. The National Weather Service says affected areas could be uninhabitable for weeks or even months.