Dangerous rip currents are expected along Gulf Coast beaches through Thursday evening, prompting officials to urge swimmers to use caution or remain out of the water.
Why it matters: Rip currents can rapidly carry swimmers into deeper water and can overwhelm even strong, experienced swimmers.
The latest:
- The advisory covers Pinellas and coastal areas of Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.
- Hazardous conditions are expected through 8 p.m. Thursday.
- Rip currents are most common near breaks in sandbars and around jetties, piers and similar structures.
Beach safety:
- Follow lifeguard instructions, warning flags and posted signs.
- Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.
- If caught in a rip current, remain calm, stay afloat and call for help.
- Swim parallel to shore to escape the current, then angle back toward the beach.
- Do not swim directly against the current because exhaustion can set in quickly.
Bottom line: Beachgoers should expect dangerous swimming conditions across much of Florida’s west coast through Thursday evening.
