Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Warning: rip currents!

This is Paul Janensch with a Treasure Coast Essay about dangerous rip currents along our beaches.  Rough surf generated by strong winds from the east have presented a serious threat to beach-goers in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties.  On the Memorial Day weekend, lifeguards rescued dozens of swimmers.  Rip currents are powerful channels of water rushing away from the shore.  They occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar near the shoreline and close to jetties and piers.  The riskiest times are at low tide.  The National Weather Service reminds us to swim at guarded beaches and heed red warning flags.  If you get caught in a rip current, do not swim directly against it.  You will tire quickly.  Instead, swim parallel to the beach.  Once out of the current, swim toward the beach.  Inexperienced swimmers should be especially careful.  I’m Paul Janensch.