WATCH: Brevard County Officials Urge Beachgoers To Know Rip Current Dangers Before Heading to the Beach

ABOVE VIDEO: As residents and visitors head to Brevard County’s beaches, officials are reminding everyone to stay alert and understand the dangers of rip currents before entering the water.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — As residents and visitors head to Brevard County’s beaches, officials are reminding everyone to stay alert and understand the dangers of rip currents before entering the water.

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, even in seemingly calm conditions.

Safety officials stress that if you become caught in a rip current, the most important thing to do is remain calm.

Do not fight the current or try to swim directly back to shore against it.

Instead, allow the current to carry you outward while floating or treading water to conserve energy. Once the pull of the current begins to weaken, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current, then safely make your way back to shore.

If you are unable to escape on your own, wave your arms and yell for help immediately.

Beachgoers are also encouraged to swim near lifeguards whenever possible.

Brevard County beaches with lifeguards on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. include:

•  Cocoa Beach Pier — 401 Meade Avenue, Cocoa Beach

• Shepard Park — 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach
Minutemen Causeway — 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach

• Lori Wilson Park — 1500 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach

• Paradise Beach — 2301 Florida A1A, Melbourne

Officials remind everyone that rip currents can be life-threatening, but understanding how to respond can save lives.

Before heading into the surf, check local beach conditions, swim near lifeguard stations, and always put safety first.

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