Surfers by rip current – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Exotico y Barato Photos
WSVN, Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In response to a recent spate of rip current-related incidents, Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue conducted a rip current safety demonstration.
The Fort Lauderdale Beach location of the safety demonstration was close to Vistamar Street and A1A.
Reporter Brandon Beyer of 7News ventured into the ocean to experience the impact of a rip current, but when he struggled to swim back to shore, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue quickly came to his aid.
Authorities advise anyone who might be entangled in a rip current to swim parallel to the shoreline and back at an angle, stay cool, and avoid fighting the current.
FLFR Lt. Geo Serrano advised being cool, swimming to the right, swimming to the left, keeping your head out of the water, and calling for assistance.
The demonstration comes after a hectic few days for South Florida’s ocean rescue workers.
The body of a young swimmer who vanished while swimming off a Fort Lauderdale beach on Friday afternoon was retrieved from the water and declared dead, tragically turning one of those rescues into a tragedy.
A man was hauled out of Surfside’s water two days later.
According to Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue authorities, 33 rescues were made over the weekend.
“We typically have more rescues from rip currents on sunny, windy days,” Serrano said.
Beachgoers should pay attention to the numerous caution signs that are placed across the beach, officials advised.
On Monday, a beachgoer told 7News that she observed the posted warning signs and decided not to go into the sea.
“I always look forward to the water because I adore it, but when I saw the signs and the waves, I thought, ‘You know what? “Perhaps not,” Dani Ramos said.
Because the beaches are crowded and authorities want to avoid another tragedy, more lifeguards are on duty when the weather is sunny and the water is clean.
That drains a person’s energy levels. Therefore, we need that additional staffing,” FLFR Chief Stephen Gollan stated.
When there are flag warnings and choppy beach conditions, officials advise against swimming.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
