Florida Swimmers Told to Stay Out of Ocean or Risk Being Swept Away
Summary
Florida officials warned people to avoid swimming in the ocean due to strong rip currents along much of the Atlantic coast. These currents can pull swimmers away from shore quickly and are a leading cause of drownings in the state.Key Facts
- The National Weather Service issued high-risk rip current warnings for Florida’s Atlantic coast from northeast Florida down through the Treasure Coast.
- Warnings also covered beaches in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Volusia, Brevard counties, and parts of southeast Georgia.
- Rip currents are strong, fast channels of water flowing away from the shore that can pull swimmers into deep water.
- They often form near low spots in the sand, breaks in sandbars, and around structures like piers and jetties.
- Many visitors may not recognize rip currents because they can look like normal waves from the beach.
- The weather service advises swimmers caught in a rip current to stay calm, float, swim parallel to shore to escape, then swim back to land.
- Beachgoers are urged to follow posted warnings, flags, and lifeguard instructions; red flags usually mean dangerous water conditions.
- May is a busy travel month for Florida beaches due to warmer water and better weather, increasing the number of people at risk.
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