Miami, Florida – A string of dry, sunny days may tempt Floridians to the shoreline, but dangerous conditions in the surf have prompted a high risk of rip currents for all east coast beaches from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach County through Friday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Miami, an ongoing easterly breeze is creating strong, persistent rip currents that can pull swimmers away from shore in seconds. The alert covers beaches in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, where lifeguards are urging caution for anyone entering the water.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can be deadly if swimmers panic or try to fight the current. Officials emphasize that beachgoers should only swim at beaches with staffed lifeguard stands and heed all posted warnings and flag systems.
Locals planning to visit popular beaches like South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Delray should avoid entering the water alone and stay aware of rapidly changing surf conditions. The NWS recommends, “When in doubt, don’t go out.”
The elevated rip current risk is expected to persist until Friday evening. Further advisories may be issued if onshore winds continue or conditions worsen.
