Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to correct an error regarding which agency was tending to the manatees before the approach of the storm.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Smyrna Beach firefighters helped move two stranded manatees back into the water Monday night, but the department now says it has received additional guidance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, also known as FWC, on how crews should respond to similar situations in the future.

The manatees were found Monday afternoon along the shore near Smyrna Dunes Park, where beachgoers called for help and tried to keep the animals cool by pouring water on them.

“When I first got on the scene, they were very unresponsive,” one beachgoer said. “After about 45 minutes of throwing water on them, they started to move around. They started to be more responsive.”

According to FWC, a Volusia County Marine Mammal Response Team member had been present earlier in the evening but, due to approaching storms and lightning, was no longer able to safely remain on scene as the night progressed.

Video from the scene shows firefighters using the high tide to help get the manatees off the sand and back into the water.

“FWC personnel are the trained and trusted wildlife professionals with the expertise to determine when intervention is necessary and how manatees should be handled,” according to a statement sent to News 6 from New Smyrna Beach Fire Department.

New Smyrna Beach Fire Department said its crews were trying to do what they believed was best for the animals at the time.

“We understand that manatees should not be touched or moved without direction from the appropriate wildlife professionals,” the department said.

FWC said manatees can become beached for several reasons, including mating behavior.

The fire department said it has since received new guidance from FWC and will handle similar situations differently in the future.