Strong rip currents off Brevard, Volusia counties with spring break underway

With spring break underway, there is a high rip current risk for beachgoers along the Atlantic coast in Central Florida.

The National Weather Service on Wednesday said there is a high risk for strong, life-threatening rip currents off the coasts of Brevard and Volusia counties.

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Rip currents are shallow, localized currents that quickly flow away from the shoreline toward the ocean.

The Atlantic side of Florida tends to always have a heightened risk for rip currents when compared to the Gulf side because of the larger wave action.

How weather affects rip currents:

Rip currents occur all year round in Florida.

Rip currents on the east coast of Florida form when there is a strong east breeze. Large swells push water toward the coast, building up pressure. That release comes in the form of rip currents, narrow pathways for water to move back out to sea.

Beachgoers assume if the water is calm, the threat of rip currents is less. That is not true. Even when there is little wave activity, rip currents can form in different sizes and speeds.

How to escape rip currents

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).
• Since 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 been have died trying to help. If you see someone in a rip current:

• 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.

It is important to know the beach conditions prior to going to the beach, as well as to check with a lifeguard and obey any warnings given at the beach.