Rip Current

With the return of summer heat, splash pads, swimming pools and the beach remain some of the most popular ways to stay cool. Even seemingly tranquil water can pose unseen risks due to dangerous currents or water too shallow for diving. Drowning can even occur hours after leaving the water, in a phenomenon known as 'dry drowning.' The state of Florida ranks 4th in drowning deaths for all ages, with roughly two deaths annually per 100,000 residents. When considering children 0 to 9 years old, the numbers are worse, with Florida leading the nation in annual deaths. According to the Florida Department of Health, between 2020 and 2022, over 200 children 5 years old or younger died of drowning.

Dangerous rip currents will be at a high risk along the Florida panhandle through Sunday with an increased risk along the Gulf coast beaches as well.

The National Weather Service Monday issued a high surf advisory for the following areas: Coastal Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hillsborough and Manatee counties and also Pinellas County from 7 p.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Heat index values over 100 degrees are expected through the weekend. In addition, rip currents are expected at Atlantic and Panhandle beaches.

A “high risk” of riptides along beaches are Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota counties through Monday Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing away from shore