National Weather Service warns of high-risk rip currents – Aerial View of Florida Beach Coastline – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Mia2you
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns travelers on Florida’s Atlantic coast to be cautious of rip currents.
Last week, the NWS issued a warning regarding the danger posed by rip currents throughout Florida’s Atlantic coast. Even though the warning is no longer in effect, visitors visiting Florida’s beaches and coastline should be aware of the dangers posed by rip currents because certain areas of the shore are still at high risk. Parts of South Florida, including Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Coral Springs, and Pompano Beach, have been classified as high risk by the NWS as of the time of publication. Tallahassee and Pensacola are also high-risk locations.
The risk of rip currents along the Florida coast is updated daily on its website. Weather.gov provides travelers with up-to-date information.
“Remember that we should all practice rip current awareness, BEFORE our feet hit the sand!” reads the NWS website’s Rip Current Awareness Week page. “Not just those who live along the coast, but all residents who visit the beach are included in this.”
Strong, slender water currents known as rip currents can swiftly drag swimmers away from the coast. They are easier to see from above, and swimmers who are taken off guard may be suddenly overpowered by the swiftly flowing water. Every year, rip currents kill more people than hurricanes or tornadoes combined. If at all possible, the NWS advises beachgoers to swim only at beaches manned by lifeguards.
The NWS advises swimmers who find themselves in rip currents to first calm down and avoid trying to swim against the current, which can be powerful and drain their energy. “Aiming to swim straight to shore is not advised. Until you break free from the current’s draw, swim near the shore. The NWS website suggests swimming at an angle away from the current toward shore after you are not being pulled by it. “Relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help if you feel like you can’t make it to shore.”
This season, rip currents have already claimed the lives of a few people, including an army veteran who was rescuing his children and niece from a rip.
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