National Weather Service Advises High Risk of Dangerous Rip Currents This Weekend Off Brevard Beaches
By Space Coast Daily // April 28, 2018
A good rule of thumb is to stay out of the water on a red flag day
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Several rip current rescues have happened at along the Space Coast beaches this weekend and the National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued an advisory for those vacationing to or visiting the beach to be sure to know what to do if caught in a rip current.
A good rule of thumb is to stay out of the water on a red flag day. Rip currents account for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. They are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore that quickly pulls swimmers out to sea.
Rip currents typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. The best way to stay safe is to recognize the danger of rip currents.
If caught in one, don’t fight it! Swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle. Always remember to swim at beaches with lifeguards.
Related Story:NWS: From Strong Rip Currents, Dangerous Marine Life, Beware the Nine Dangers at Beach
The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Melbourne, Florida forecasts for 10 counties in East Central Florida, including Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Saint Lucie, Seminole, and Volusia.
CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS
