Rip Current Warnings Blanket Flagler, Volusia Beaches as Atlantic Swells Build

High rip current risk remains in effect for beaches across Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties, with the dangerous conditions driven by a strong east breeze pushing large swells toward the coast. The National Weather Service Melbourne office issued the coastal hazard alert warning of powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, with rip currents occurring most frequently at low spots in sandbars and near structures such as jetties and piers. Rip currents form when large swells build up pressure against the shoreline, creating narrow pathways for water to move back out to sea. The phenomenon occurs year-round in Florida but becomes more noticeable during summer months when more people venture into warmer water. Beachgoers should watch for posted warning flags at beach entrances and lifeguard towers—yellow flags indicate moderate surf or currents with weak swimmers discouraged from entering, while red flags signal rough conditions with all swimmers advised to stay out of the water. Authorities emphasize that rip currents pose a serious drowning risk, capable of sweeping even the best swimmers away from shore. If caught in a rip current, the National Weather Service advises swimmers not to panic or swim against the current. Instead, individuals should relax and float, then swim parallel to the coastline until the pull relaxes before swimming back to shore at an angle. Many drowning victims have perished attempting to swim directly back to shore, exhausting themselves while fighting the current. Beachgoers who spot someone caught in a rip current are urged to contact a lifeguard or call 911 rather than attempt a rescue themselves. If a lifeguard is unavailable, witnesses should instruct the person to follow the shoreline and, if possible, throw them a flotation device. The Weather Service strongly cautions against entering the water without flotation assistance, noting that numerous rescue attempts have resulted in additional fatalities.