Hurricane Dorian churning up dangerous rip currents

Surfers, beachgoers urged to stay close to shore, near lifeguards

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Surf's up at Jacksonville Beach and all along the east coast of Florida as Hurricane Dorian churns its way to the north.

While surfers may want to ride a big wave, lifeguards at the Jacksonville Beach Search and Rescue Department are warning them and all beachgoers to be careful of powerful rip currents being churned up by Dorian.

The hurricane has been making waves and dangerous rip currents as emergency managers get prepared for the worst.

Lifeguards say now is not the time to go out to learn to surf or prove your skills.

But for many surfers, higher waves are what they live for.

"The rip currents are pretty bad right now, but the storm is still about three to five days out. No concerns yet," surfer Sefton Tranter said.

He said he's not afraid to be out on the water in these conditions, but he's monitoring Hurricane Dorian as the storm strengthens.

"Typically, it's really good right before or after (a hurricane), so (we're) keeping our eyes on the storm and hopefully we get some good surf."

"This is not the time to go and have your first run in the ocean," said Capt. Rob Emahiser with Jacksonville Beach Search and Rescue. "It's going to be rough, strong currents, and we don't wanna have any accidents."

Gail Simon and her family made a trip to the beach on Saturday. She said it was the relaxation she and her family needed as they prepare for the storm.

"You can't underestimate her. She's a powerful force and we don't know where the storm is going to go and this storm here, she's changed her mind many times," Simon said. 

Marissa Walling brought her 2-year-old out to see the beach. She wanted her daughter to see what the waves look like before the storm.

"After being here so many years, you can kind of tell when it's going to get back. Just keep an eye out. Be safe," Walling said. "I believe everybody's as ready as we can be."

The Jacksonville Beach lifeguard station is flying red flags. It's taken the towers down and as far as lifeguards on patrol, it's assessing the storm as it moves closer to the U.S. region.