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# More than a dozen swimmers rescued at Clearwater Beach as Tropical Storm Bertha fuels dangerous surf
- URL: https://tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io/more-than-a-dozen-swimmers-rescued-at-clearwater-beach-as-tropical-storm-bertha-fuels-dangerous-surf/
- Published: 2026-07-23T14:43:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-23T14:43:44.000Z
- Description: Lifeguards responded to more than 12 water rescues in two days as dangerous rip currents continue along Tampa Bay beaches.
- Author: Chris Thomas
- Tags: rip-currents, tropical-storms, News

Dangerous surf generated by Tropical Storm Bertha has led to more than a dozen water rescues at Clearwater Beach over the past two days, prompting officials to urge beachgoers to stay out of the water.

**Why it matters:** Strong rip currents remain one of the deadliest beach hazards and are expected to continue through Thursday.

**The latest:**

- Clearwater Beach lifeguards rescued more than a dozen swimmers over the past 48 hours.
- Manatee County reported no water rescues but performed about 50 preventive interventions to keep swimmers away from hazardous conditions.
- Wind gusts around 20 mph and rough surf continue to create dangerous swimming conditions.

**Beach safety:**

- Avoid entering the water when red flags are flying.
- Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower if you choose to enter the water.
- If caught in a rip current, stay calm, float and swim parallel to shore rather than directly against the current.

**Bottom line:** Tropical Storm Bertha continues to create hazardous surf along Gulf beaches, and officials urge visitors to stay out of the water until conditions improve.