STOKES COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Five children were found safe after going missing on Belews Lake on Monday, according to an official with knowledge of the scene.

A man had five of his children go in the water on inflatable paddleboards at the Pine Hall Boat Ramp on Belews Lake.

At some point around sunset, the children accidentally floated off. They were on paddleboards, and the father lost sight of them around 6 p.m. after bringing someone back to the dock.

First responders were able to get boats in the water to search for them.

Around 9:45 p.m., all five of them were found and taken to the hospital.

There is no word on their conditions at this time.

Eric Tumas helped rescue the children.

“I couldn’t stand the thought of knowing that maybe there’s kids out there clinging to a paddleboard,” Tumas said.

He said he had a searchlight out when he saw the children, and they weren’t making much noise at first.

“All the sudden, we were both yelling at each other, but we heard them. They heard us and just hollering back…’hey. Help. We need help.’ And we couldn’t believe it,” Tumas said.

The children were wrapped in jackets and towels when Tumas started flashing the lights on the boat.

“They were most definitely cold, and I think one of them was struggling. Not…struggling to walk. But he didn’t want to get up and move,” Tumas said.

The children’s mother told FOX8 the following statement:

“The children are doing well, still dealing with tingling, cold feet but are in good spirits. We are so grateful and appreciative to all the volunteers and crews that came out and helped look for the children. We could never thank them enough and we are praising the Lord for his provision over the children and for bringing them home safely. We are overwhelmed with the out pour of love and prayers and are so thankful for such a supportive loving community.”