Marine Conditions, High Rip Current Risk Prompt Warnings Along Space Coast
By Space Coast Daily // December 24, 2025
Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the ocean
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Boaters and beachgoers along Florida’s Space Coast are urged to use extreme caution as the National Weather Service in Melbourne reported hazardous marine conditions and a high risk of rip currents across the region.
According to the latest advisory, poor to hazardous boating conditions are expected through the early afternoon, with Small Craft Advisories in effect from the Volusia Brevard county line south to Jupiter Inlet for waters up to 20 nautical miles offshore, as well as from Flagler Beach to Jupiter Inlet for waters extending 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore.
Small Craft Exercise Caution advisories are also issued for nearshore waters from Flagler Beach to the Volusia Brevard line.
Seas are forecast to range from five to eight feet in advisory areas and four to six feet in caution areas. East winds are expected at 10 to 20 knots, decreasing from north to south throughout the day.
Officials emphasized that these conditions can be dangerous for smaller vessels and advised inexperienced mariners to avoid navigating during the advisory period. Boaters are reminded to prioritize safety and remain aware of changing conditions.
At the same time, forecasters warned of a high rip current risk along all Atlantic beaches spanning the Daytona, Space, and Treasure coasts. Strong and potentially life threatening rip currents expected, accompanied by surf heights of four to six feet. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the ocean and follow the instructions of lifeguards and local beach patrols.
The National Weather Service cautioned that rip currents can form even on sunny and calm appearing days and urged swimmers who find themselves caught in a rip current to remain calm, float if necessary, and swim parallel to the shoreline to escape.
Officials continue to stress that awareness and caution are critical during these conditions, noting that both marine and surf hazards can change rapidly and pose serious risks to those on the water or along the coast.
