Miami, Fla. – Beaches across South Florida face an extended stretch of dangerous rip currents as swells from distant Hurricane Erin push toward the coast. Officials warn that the hazards will linger through the weekend, creating life-threatening conditions for swimmers.
According to the National Weather Service in Miami, Palm Beach County beaches face the highest risk, with rip current chances exceeding 50% beginning Friday and holding into the weekend. Miami-Dade and Broward counties currently face a medium risk that could rise to high as wave action strengthens.
Lifeguards urge beachgoers to avoid swimming in unguarded areas and stress the importance of heeding warnings. Strong rip currents can sweep even experienced swimmers offshore in seconds. Officials say staying in waist-deep water, swimming near on-duty lifeguards, or avoiding the water entirely is the safest approach until conditions ease.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that while Hurricane Erin will stay well offshore, its swell continues to drive treacherous surf to South Florida. More advisories are likely as the system churns east of the Bahamas.
