Severe Weather Awareness Week: Marine hazards and rip currents

Writer: Lauren Kreidler
Published: Updated:
waves
Waves on Fort Myers Beach. CREDIT: WINK News

Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week is observed from Feb. 5 to Feb. 9 to increase awareness of severe weather hazards. Our WINK Weather Authority team will be highlighting a specific weather event each day throughout the week.

Today’s focus is on marine hazards and rip currents.

It’s a sobering statistic, but the reality is rip currents take the lives of more Floridians than hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning combined.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, since 1995, rip currents have accounted for more than 300 drownings along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic beaches.

A rip current is a strong channel of water moving away from the shore at beaches. The surprising strength of rip currents often catch unprepared swimmers off guard. When caught in a rip current, it is common for a swimmer to panic and try to fight against the current.

A rip current’s force is too powerful for even the strongest of swimmers, and attempts to swim directly back toward shore, especially for the panicked and tired swimmer, can be deadly.

Instead, if caught in a rip current, it is vital to swim parallel to the shoreline to break free of the current and to remain calm.

rip current

Also, it is important to swim at lifeguard-protected beaches. Since 2006, approximately 80% of all rip current-related drowning incidents across the state occurred at unguarded beaches.

Aside from rip currents, there are other marine hazards to be aware of. Be sure to pay attention to the flags that may be flying, indicating what the conditions at the beach are like. Flags and warning signs will indicate conditions, such as high surf and/or strong currents and dangerous marine life.

Before going boating, take a good look at the marine forecast to check to see wave heights, wind speeds and if there are any boating advisories issued.

Check back Wednesday for more information on thunderstorms and tornadoes.

RELATED:
Monday’s Severe Weather Awareness Week topic: Lightning.

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