The Florida Division of Emergency Management is advising beachgoers to use caution during the Labor Day weekend because of an increased threat of rip currents.

"Onshore winds along Florida's Atlantic beaches are forecast to strengthen this weekend, which will create a moderate to high risk for rip currents, state emergency officials said in a release on Friday.

A rip current is a channel of water that rapidly flows away from the shoreline.

"Knowing in advance that strong rip currents will be present during this holiday weekend, it is paramount that all beach visitors adhere to safety tips," Orlando Dominguez, spokesman for Brevard County Fire-Rescue, told Florida Today.

"Marine interests should exercise caution when venturing from port, and beachgoers should avoid entering the surf along the Atlantic and Gulf beaches on Sunday and Monday," Division of Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate said.