NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – Florida’s beaches attract millions of residents and tourists each year. While the weather may be beautiful in the sky above, there are unseen dangers below the water.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) says rip currents rank as Florida’s deadliest weather-related hazard.
The state says since 1995, rip currents have accounted for more than 300 drownings along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic beaches.
Much like lightning, Florida often leads the nation in reported rip current drownings each year.
A rip current is a strong channel of water moving away from the shore at beaches occurring at many beaches every day on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. Rip currents typically form along the beach at breaks in the nearshore underwater sandbar, but they also form near structures such as jetties and piers. While rip currents can happen any day of the year, weather or ocean conditions can cause rip currents to be stronger and more frequent on some days than on others.
Rip currents are dangerous because they can pull unprepared swimmers away from shore and into deeper offshore waters. They become especially dangerous when swimmers panic and struggle against the current while being pulled away from the beach or unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore. The force of a rip current is too strong for even the strongest of swimmers, and attempts to swim directly back toward shore, especially for the panicked and tired swimmer, can be fatal.
Since 2006, approximately 80% of all rip current-related drowning incidents in Florida occurred at unguarded beaches.
Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts also attract plenty of boaters year-round and Florida leads the nation with nearly one million registered boats. Before venturing out on the water, it is important for boaters to
check on the weather. What may seem like a tranquil start to the day can quickly turn violent with hazards such as severe thunderstorms, strong winds, rough seas, lightning and waterspouts.
One way to be sure you are safe while boating is to check the marine forecasts issued by your local National Weather Service office when planning your voyage.
FDEM says you should stay in port if thunderstorms are expected.
If you decide to venture out into the open waters, remember that lightning presents the greatest danger to boaters. Be prepared to seek safe shelter anytime lightning is seen or thunder is heard. Never let thunderstorms cut off your route back to land. If a thunderstorm or waterspout threatens, it is best to seek safe harbor immediately. If you are unable to get back to the dock, be sure everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket, as gusty thunderstorm winds or waterspouts can quickly overturn small boats.
If lightning is nearby, get low or head below deck, and stay away from masts and ungrounded metal objects. If caught near a waterspout, your best course of evasive action is to move at a 90-degree angle from its apparent movement, then seek safe harbor, if possible.
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Knowing what kind of weather to expect is one of the keys to staying safe during your boating adventure.
There are a few things that you can do to protect yourself from the dangers of rip currents and marine hazards.
- Before you leave, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach and boating conditions.
- The National Weather Service offices serving Florida issue a surf zone forecast and coastal waters forecast each day, which includes the expected rip current risk and marine conditions. These forecasts should be
your primary tools for planning a safe day on the water. - At the beach, look for the nearest lifeguards and check with them about existing water conditions.
- If you’re going to a beach with no lifeguard on duty, look for warning flags or signs.
