There’s a high risk for rip currents Saturday at beaches throughout Palm Beach County and along the Treasure Coast.
Lifeguards are asking swimmers to stay alert and keep in mind the potential dangers associated with high surf.
“I wouldn’t want to be out there right now,” said Palm City resident Kevin Fister.
Fister says any chance he gets he’s at the beach. But in Friday afternoon he wasn’t so sure about stepping foot in the ocean.
“There’s a good 30 mile per hour wind right now, kind of constant. We are just getting a pure blow from it, but look how clean it is though,” said Fister.
The crystal blue water can be mesmerizing and obviously the white-capped waves can’t keep everyone away.
“I love swimming in the ocean so I guess I’ll take my chances,” said Kristin Greene.
Lifeguards are out in full force making sure you don’t get swept away. On Friday, red flags were up at beaches in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties warning people to be mindful of the potential for rip currents and high waves.
“I’m a bigger guy I can float you know what I mean so it’s cool,” said Julian Jaeger.
However, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore. So if you find yourself in this situation, lifeguards recommend trying not to panic, and instead to swim in a direction following the shoreline. If you can’t escape it you should try to float or tread water.
“I’m just going to hope for the best. Stay close to shore and not go too far out I guess,” said Greene.
If you plan to head to a beach on Saturday and get in the water, your safest option is to swim at a beach with a lifeguard on duty.
