Summary
The National Weather Service has issued alerts about dangerous rip currents at various beaches ahead of spring break. These strong water currents can pull swimmers out to deep water quickly. Swimmers are advised to stay calm, swim parallel to the shore if caught, and follow lifeguard guidance.
Key Facts
- Rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore and are a major cause of beach rescues and deaths.
- Beaches in Florida, Puerto Rico, and parts of the Caribbean are under rip current warnings.
- Authorities advise swimming near lifeguards and not against the current if caught in it.
- A high-risk alert for rip currents applies to nearly the entire eastern coast of Florida from Daytona Beach to Miami.
- Rip current warnings also affect beaches in Puerto Rico and nearby islands like Vieques and Culebra.
- Dangerous surf conditions with large waves are also expected in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
- The National Weather Service stresses the importance of being an experienced swimmer when entering the ocean.
- Visitors are encouraged to obey beach warning flags and pay attention to lifeguard instructions.
