Red flags are flying again along the Florida coast because of rip currents caused by bad weather out in the Atlantic. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Rip currents are fast narrow currents that flow away from shore.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
What to do if you get caught in a rip currentIf you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you feel the pull weaken.<\/p>\n
If you do find yourself caught in a rip current, the first step is not to 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.<\/p>\n
Next, start swimming parallel to the coastline until you begin to feel the pull relax.<\/p>\n
From there, start swimming back to shore at an angle. Many panicked swimmers try to swim straight back to shore. That causes them to swim against the current, which increases their risk of drowning due to fatigue.<\/p>\n
How can you spot rip currents<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Look for a narrow gap of darker, calmer water between breaking waves or whitewater.<\/p>\n
A channel of churning, choppy water.<\/p>\n
A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving out to sea.<\/p>\n