VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Sixty-two people were rescued at Volusia County beaches on Friday, prompting a warning to beachgoers as dangerous rip currents are expected to last the weekend.
As the red flag flies, those at the beach are asked to swim in front of lifeguards and to not exceed waist-deep water, Volusia County Beach Safety said on social media, adding even shallower water is recommended for small children and those unfamiliar with the ocean.
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Friday’s 62 rescues bring 2024′s tally to 675 in total. Two drownings have otherwise been recorded during the year so far, as well as two shark encounters, according to the county.
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In addition, officials said there have been 14 rescues so far on Saturday.
News 6 Meteorologist Jonathan Kegges put together the following guide on how to spot, escape from and help others trapped in rip currents:
How to escape-
It is important to note that rip currents do not drag you under water, they pull you away from the beach.
If you find yourself caught in a rip current, the most important thing to do is not panic as this can quickly lead to exhaustion. Getting out of a rip current is simple if you are thinking clearly.
- Do not swim against the current (i.e. straight back to the beach)
- Because these swiftly-moving channels of water are mostly narrow, about 10-20 feet, you can swim out of them by swimming parallel to the beach in either direction.
- If you find yourself not able to escape the rip current, calmly tread water. Rip currents tend to weaken offshore. Once you are in a weak point, swim back to shore.
- If you feel like you are unable to escape the rip current, face the beach and get the attention of a lifeguard or people on the beach by waving your arms and yelling.
How to spot a rip current-
It is easier to spot a rip current if you are up high.
- Look for a narrow gap of darker, calmer between breaking waves or whitewater.
- A channel of churning, choppy water.
- A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving out to sea.
If you see someone in a rip current-
Don’t become a victim yourself. Many have died trying to help.
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If no lifeguard is present, call 911 and instruct the person to follow the shoreline to escape the rip current.
- If possible, throw the person a flotation device.
- NEVER enter the water without a flotation device.
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