Created: 11/4/2009 12:03:33 PM 
TALLAHASSEE -- There is a high risk of rip currents until Friday along the First Coast.
Beachgoers in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler and Volusia counties are being asked to use caution and to be aware of red flags on beaches, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
"We want (swimmers) to remember...rip currents can be life threatening to anyone entering the water," acting state meteorologist Amy Godsey said in a statement.
"Check the rip current outlook, swim on guarded beaches and remember the warning flag signs...stay out of the water when red flags are flying."
Rip currents can move away from shore faster than 8 feet per second, according to the FDEM.
Some tips:
- Swim at guarded beaches
- If caught in a rip current, do not swim toward shore. Instead move sideways across the rip currents until the pull eases.
- Throw a rip current victim something that floats.
- NEVER go into the water alone.
For more information on rip currents, CLICK HERE.
For the latest weekly beach status, CLICK HERE.
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