Hazardous coastal weather conditions, including high surf, rip currents, and gusty winds, affected South Florida beaches on Saturday, posing significant risks for beachgoers and boaters. The challenging conditions featured waves measuring 6 to 9 feet breaking along the shore and wind gusts surpassing 30 mph. Additionally, sporadic showers moving in from the Atlantic threatened to end Miami’s longest dry spell since 1999.
These dangerous rip currents and surf conditions prompted authorities to issue warnings and provide safety guidelines for the public:
1. Avoidance for Non-Swimmers: People who cannot swim are advised to stay out of shallow water during such conditions, as rip currents can drag individuals into deeper areas, increasing the risk of drowning.
2. Consult Lifeguards: Beach visitors are urged to speak with lifeguards about water conditions and strictly follow their instructions and warnings.
3. Swim in Groups and Avoid Structures: Swimming alone is discouraged, and individuals should maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from piers and jetties where permanent rip currents are often present.
4. How to Handle a Rip Current: Rip currents do not pull swimmers under the water. Instead, those caught in a rip current are advised not to fight against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline or toward breaking waves to escape the current. Floating or treading water is another effective strategy until the current cycles back toward shore.
5. Assisting Rip Current Victims: If someone is caught in a rip current, bystanders should throw a floating object to the person and avoid entering the water without a flotation device. In the absence of a lifeguard, emergency services should be contacted immediately by dialing 911.
The article also included resources for additional safety information, such as the NOAA and USLA Rip Current Safety Toolkit. These warnings come as part of a broader effort to keep residents and visitors safe during periods of hazardous weather.