Saturday was a beautiful day at the beach, but actually getting into the ocean could have been very dangerous due to the high surf and raging rip currents.

Gainesville resident Amanda Scott said she went for a swim off Jacksonville Beach and took off once she got in the ocean.

"I went about knee deep and before I knew it I was down the beach," Scott said. "I had to fight my way back and decided I was not going to go in any farther."

Lifeguards called for a red flag day because of the rip currents and rough surf.

"It'd be wise to stay in shallow water especially if you're not a strong swimmer," Lt. Don Conner with Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue said. "Keep a close eye on your children. A lot of parents don't watch their kids and they can get overcome by the current in a moment if you're not watching them."

Conner said if there are any rip currents, they are secondary to the big surf. Because of the huge long shore current that moves from the north to the south, anyone on the north side of the pier will be crashing into the pier, he said.

"It'd be wise to enjoy the beach from the beach rather than in the water unless you're a very experienced swimmer or strong surfer," Conner said.