Summary
The National Weather Service has warned of dangerous swimming conditions due to rip currents at beaches in Florida and Texas. Alerts are in place for specific counties, urging swimmers to stay cautious and swim near lifeguards. Rip currents can be strong enough to pull even good swimmers away from shore, making them a serious hazard.
Key Facts
- The National Weather Service (NWS) issued rip current alerts for parts of Florida and Texas.
- Florida's alert covers Gulf County State Park Beaches and warns of dangerous rip currents.
- Texas's alert affects Kenedy Island, Willacy Island, and Cameron Island Counties.
- Rip currents are strong water flows pulling away from the shore into deeper water.
- The NWS advises beachgoers to swim near lifeguards and not to swim against the current.
- Rip currents can move at speeds up to eight feet per second.
- Annually, rip currents lead to over 100 deaths and account for more than 80% of rescues by lifeguards in the U.S.
- The NWS issues regular updates on these conditions via its website and social media.
