JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The waves have been big and crashing hard, as a red flag warning has been in place in Jacksonville Beach for about a week. The ocean may look calmer by Sunday, but Ocean Rescue Captain Rob Emahiser said the dangerous rip currents will still be around.
“Earlier in the week, we had a lot of rescues. We were very busy," Emahiser said. “Now, as the weather is going to be calming down on Sunday, we want to urge everyone as always to use caution.”
Some identifying factors of rip currents are:
- A difference in watercolor
- Fewer breaking waves
- Debris floating toward the back of waves
Also, keep in mind, rip currents are usually near sandbars.
“Sometimes here, the rip currents are not that obvious," Emahiser explained. "So, the best thing is to listen to the lifeguard’s whistle.”
The ocean rescue captain shared a few tips for beachgoers this weekend:
- Don’t swim unless you are experienced
- If you do go out for a dip, swim near a lifeguard.
- Stay by your children at all times.
For what to do if you get caught in a rip current, you can learn more here.