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So. Fla. Swimmers: Beware Of Rip Currents

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Mar 25, 2009 10:51 am US/Eastern

So. Fla. Swimmers: Beware Of Rip Currents

MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) ― South Florida beaches are full of rip currents and jellyfish.

Lifeguards in Miami Beach warned swimmers on Wednesday to stay near the shore. If they're going to attempt a quick dip, they're urged to swim near a lifeguard tower.

 

"The biggest problem is that people don't swim near a lifeguard tower," said Miami Beach Lifeguard Operations Supervisor Scott Reynolds. "We're the professionals. If you get into trouble we're here to save you."

 

Lifeguard towers along Miami Beach's 7.1 mile stretch of water had purple and red flags flying prominently.

 

A red flag means the water has strong rip currents. A purple flag means jellyfish are present.

These warnings are important because each year in the U.S. rip currents cause more than 100 drownings and account for more than 80 percent of all rescues. Drowning deaths happen as a result of swimmers not being able to stay afloat long enough to swim back to shore. 

Click here for Fast Facts on how to escape a rip current.

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