Beachgoers along South Florida’s coast are being warned about rough surf and dangerous rip currents as windy conditions continue.
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory, with waves expected to reach 7 to 12 feet. The advisory is forecast to remain in effect through Wednesday morning, while a high rip current risk is expected through Thursday evening.
Red flags will be posted at lifeguard stands to signal hazardous water conditions. A double red flag means the water is closed and swimming is prohibited.
Tristan Cox, an ocean rescue lifeguard for the town of Palm Beach, told WPBF that rip currents form when water pushed toward shore finds a route back out to sea. They can pull swimmers away from the beach and into deeper water, including strong swimmers.
Lifeguards advise anyone caught in a rip current not to panic or use extra energy trying to swim directly back to shore. Instead, they recommend swimming parallel to the beach and floating if possible. Officials are also reminding locals and visitors to check conditions before going to the beach and follow posted warning flags.
The warning follows several recent water rescues during rough conditions, including a rip-current rescue in Boynton Beach and rescues in Hobe Sound and near Palm Beach Shores, according to WPBF.
