Those headed to Florida's eastern beaches are being warned that the danger ofrip currents will increase this weekend through much of next week.The rip current threat will progressively heighten each day this weekend withan area of high pressure dominating the South. While the high provides niceweather to much of the South, winds circulating around that high will be aimeddirectly at Florida's eastern beaches.
The winds will drive ocean waves toward the coast. A dangerous rip current willthen develop as that water rapidly exits through narrow corridors, formed byeither jetties or sand bars.
The rip current threat will increase further by the middle of next week as afresh area of high pressure drops southward and strengthens the onshorewinds.
Rip currents pose a serious threat to swimmers. If you are headed to Florida'seastern beaches into next week, swim only in the presence of life guards. Besure to heed any swimming restrictions put in place.
For those that do get caught in a rip current, it is important to stay calm.
You can first attempt to escape the current by swimming parallel to the coast.
If you remain trapped, you should then either float or tread water until thecurrent eventually weakens.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski
