- December 25, 2024
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The following is adapted from a Florida Division of Emergency Management press release.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management reminds all Florida’s residents and visitors to use caution when visiting the beach this week, as conditions from Hurricane Rafael bring an elevated risk of rip currents to Florida’s Atlantic Coast beaches, including Flagler County. An elevated risk of rip currents will remain through the end of the week.
“Ocean swells originating from Rafael will generate rough surf and a high risk of rip currents along Atlantic Coast beaches from Nassau County through Martin County. The elevated risk of rip currents likely will persist through Friday,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Meteorologist Brad Schaaf. “It is important for all beachgoers to review the rip current outlook for their area, check beach warning flag signs before entering the water and swim within sight of a lifeguard.”
It is important to remember that when red flags are flying, beachgoers should remain alert while visiting Florida’s beaches. A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet in length, but are typically less than 30 feet wide. Rip currents can often move at more than 5-miles-per-hour and are not always identifiable to the average beachgoer.
Safety at the beach:
• Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offices issue a Surf Zone Forecast.
• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify hazards.
• Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags.
Different beaches may use different colors but a commonly used series include:
o Double Red: Beach is closed to the public
o Single Red: high hazard, e.g., strong surf or currents
o Yellow: medium hazard
o Green: Calm conditions although caution is still necessary
o Purple: Flown with either Red or Yellow: Dangerous marine life
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
• Pay especially close attention to children and persons who are elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.
• Be cautious. Always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them.
If caught in a rip current:
• Don’t panic. Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
• Never swim against the rip. Stay afloat and signal for help.
• Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water.
• Draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.
If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
• Get help from a lifeguard or, if one is unavailable, have someone call 9-1-1.
• Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
• Yell instructions on how to escape.
