Red flags are flying again along the Florida coast because of rip currents caused by bad weather out in the Atlantic.
Nearly 300 people had to be rescued along Volusia County’s beaches last weekend alone, and one person was caught in a rip current and drowned.
Rip currents occur all year round in Florida, but they become more noticeable in the summer when more people venture out into the warmer water.
Rip currents on the east coast of Florida form when there is a strong east breeze. Large swells push water toward the coast, building up pressure. That release comes in the form of rip currents, narrow pathways for water to move back out to sea.
Beachgoers assume if the water is calm, the threat of rip currents is less. That is not true. Even when there is little wave activity, rip currents can form in different sizes and speeds.
What to do if you get caught in a rip current
If you do find yourself caught in a rip current, the first step is to not panic and try to swim against the current. Turn on your back and float for a few seconds and try and alert people on the beach.
Next, start swimming parallel to the coastline until you begin to feel the pull relax.
From there, start swimming back to shore at an angle. Many panicked swimmers try swimming straight back to shore. That causes them to swim against the current, which increases their risk of drowning due to fatigue.
How can you spot rip currents
Finding rip currents from the shore is not an easy task. The best way to spot them is from high above, such as with a tall lifeguard station or a drone.
- Look for a narrow gap of darker, calmer water between breaking waves or whitewater.
- A channel of churning, choppy water.
- A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving out to sea.
The best way to stay informed is by looking out for the posted beach warning flags at beach entrances or near life guard towers.
A yellow flag means there are moderate surf or currents, and weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.
A red flag means rough conditions, including strong surf and/or currents, and all swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.
A double red flag means the water is closed to the public.
If you see someone in a rip current
Don’t become a victim yourself. Many have been have died trying to help. If you see someone in a rip current:
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If no lifeguard is present, call 911 and instruct the person to follow the shoreline to escape the rip current.
- If possible, throw the person a flotation device.
- NEVER enter the water without a flotation device.
It is important to know the beach conditions prior to going to the beach, as well as to check with a lifeguard and obey any warnings given at the beach.