Jacksonville, Florida – Powerful rip currents are creating life-threatening conditions along Florida’s Atlantic beaches Thursday, with officials warning swimmers to stay out of the water through late tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville and Melbourne, a high rip current risk is in effect for coastal areas from Nassau and Duval counties south through Flagler, Volusia, Brevard, and into the Treasure Coast, as well as coastal Georgia counties including Camden and Glynn. The threat remains in place through late Thursday night.
Beaches in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and Cocoa Beach are all impacted, where breaking waves and strong onshore flow are increasing the likelihood of fast-moving currents. These currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, even in areas that appear calm.
Lifeguards urge visitors to remain on dry sand or only enter the water near staffed towers. If caught in a current, swimmers should float, conserve energy, and move parallel to shore rather than fighting the pull.
Beach patrols across Northeast Florida have raised warning flags, and conditions may worsen during the afternoon as winds increase.
The elevated risk is expected to ease overnight, but additional advisories could follow if rough surf continues into Friday.
