Florida Division of Emergency Management officials today are urging beachgoers to use caution as Tropical Storm Danny will generate a high risk of dangerous rip currents along much of the state’s Atlantic beaches beginning today and continuing through Friday.
Rip currents, which are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers, are channels of water that rapidly flow away from the shoreline and can pull unprepared swimmers into deeper offshore waters. High-risk rip currents are determined to be dangerous because they present life-threatening conditions to those who enter the surf.
“Beachgoers should heed safety warnings from lifeguards and local officials,” State Meteorologist Ben Nelson said. “It is important to respect the power of water and know your ability as a swimmer to safely enjoy our beaches.”
Tropical Storm Danny is not a direct threat to Florida, however, beachgoers should remember that numerous rescues and one fatality occurred along the state’s Atlantic beaches during the past weekend that were attributed to rip currents produced by Hurricane Bill. Onshore winds and ocean swells are also currently creating a moderate risk for rip currents along the northeast Florida beaches.
Some important safety tips to keep in mind if you witness a person stranded in the water:
* Get help from a lifeguard.
* If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
* Throw the rip current victim something that floats: a lifejacket, a cooler, or an inflatable ball.
* Yell instructions on how to escape. The best method is to 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.
* Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org.
Contact:
Mike Stone or Leslie D. Steele
850-413-9883
