Coast Guard warns swimmers of possible upcoming rip currents

Author: the associated press
Published:
MGN

MIAMI (AP) – The Coast Guard has advised beachgoers to exercise caution while at beaches off the coasts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina due to the increased possibility of rip currents caused by Hurricane Joaquin.

A rip current is a powerful channel of water that flows quickly away from shore caused by strong waves and winds. Anything caught in a rip current can be pulled out into deeper seas.

The Coast Guard says the way to escape a rip current is to swim parallel to the shore. Swimmers should not attempt to swim directly against the current, as it is easy for even strong swimmers to become exhausted.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, South Carolina and Florida account for 19 of the 34 nationwide rip current deaths so far in 2015.

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