Rip currents are danger to beachgoers on Memorial Day

Safety precautions to follow when in coastal waters

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – People at the beach on Memorial Day were warned to stay safe in the rough surf whipped up by Subtropical Storm Alberto. Lifeguards urged people to be very careful if they got in the water and encouraged them to stay out of the water.

'We have extremely dangerous ocean conditions going on," Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Lt. Max Ervarian said.

Minutes after interviewing, News4Jax witnessed a man caught in a rip current just south of the pier. Fortunately, he wasn't pulled under or taken too far from shore and it happened right in front of a lifeguard stand, so rescuers reached him within seconds and guided him back to the beach.

"I was in there and it was not that deep and then, all the sudden, I just dropped. Just pulls you back a little bit," said Mike, the rescued man.

"Not only are we having extreme rip current issues, we are also having heavy and strong longshore currents," Ervarian said. "This is where the current will either take you north or south in a direction to which (you)  will then be put into a rip current, or just over your head."

Most beachgoers took the warnings to heart. Devon and his nephew stayed close to shore and near the lifeguard chair.

"No, don’t want to risk it at all," Devon said.

Rip currents are the No. 1 weather-related cause of death in Florida and to stay safe at the beach, it is important to check the beach flag signs. If the flag is red, avoid the water. 

There were more lifeguards available over the holiday weekend, and no matter your skill as a swimmer, people are encouraged to swim near a lifeguard or with a buddy. If you’re in a rip current, don’t panic. Swim parallel to shore until you are out. They’re often not very wide.

VIDEO: Vic Micolucci shows how to escape a rip current

Spotting rip currents

Ervarian showed News4Jax where he spotted rip currents, which lifeguards marked with signs and flags telling swimmers to stay out of the water.

To spot a rip current, stand on a high area, such as a sand dune or deck and scan the water. Look for the following characteristics:

  • A streak of water that is a different color. The streak may look more murky or darker than the surrounding water.
  •  A gap in advancing breakers where the rip current is pushing its way seaward.
  •  A line of foam extending offshore.
  •  An offshore plume of turbid water past the sandbar.

If still unsure, throw a floating object into the water and see if it moves steadily seaward.

What to do?

DO NOT PANIC or try to swim against the current

  • Swim parallel to shore until you feel the current lessen and then swim to shore.
  •   If you can't break out of the current, float with it until it dissipates, usually just beyond the breakers. Then swim diagonally to shore.
  • If you do not swim well, know your limits, stay in wading depths and watch for sudden drop-offs.​

About the Authors:

Lifetime Jacksonville resident anchors the 8 and 9 a.m. weekday newscasts and is part of the News4Jax I-Team.