WEST PALM BEACH, FL-- The Florida Division of Emergency Management is warning swimmers in three South Florida counties about the danger of rip currents.
Officials say the threat will remain high Tuesday and Wednesday in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami Dade counties.
Emergency management officials say when red flags are flying beachgoers need to be aware that swimming in the Atlantic can be dangerous.
“While we want swimmers and surfers to enjoy their time at the beach, we want them to remember safety comes first, and rip currents can be life threatening to anyone entering the water,” Deputy State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said in a written release. “Before going into the water, check the rip current outlook, swim on guarded beaches and remember the warning flag signs.”
Emergency managers issued the following advice:
Swim at guarded beaches and heed to the advice of beach patrol.
If caught in the seaward pull of a rip current do not attempt to move directly toward shore. Instead move sideways across the rip currents until the pull eases.
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 inflatable ball.
Yell instructions on how to escape.
Never go into the water alone, and if you aren’t a strong swimmer, stick to shallow waters (although shallow waters can be dangerous too for weak swimmers).
Only swim in areas where there is a lifeguard or strong swimmers on the beach who can keep a safe eye on you.
