Dozens Rescued Due To Dangerous Rip Currents
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A high risk of rip currents Tuesday, and over the holiday weekend, has led to dozens of rescues on South Florida beaches.
Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue says they've had 20 rescues just Tuesday and at least 50 people over the holiday weekend.
Ocean Rescue is asking people to stay out of the water on Ft. Lauderdale beach, unless you are a strong swimmer.
Lieutenant Allen Reed said lifeguards pulled a bunch of people from the water Tuesday afternoon.
"We're actively going up and telling people unless you're an expert swimmer, don't go in the water today," said Reed.
Only a few people have braved the rip currents.
It was a busy rescue weekend for lifeguards across South Florida during Memorial Day Weekend.
Chip Stanley, visiting from Boston, said he considers himself a good swimmer and that he could feel the danger.
"Every once in a while there's a strong undertow—little riptide just takes you right out—you're 5-10 feet offshore and all of a sudden boom—40 feet offshore," Stanley said.
If you're swimming, and get caught in a rip tide, ocean rescue wants to remind you to try to swim parallel to the shore to safety.
A similar scene on Miami Beach, with red flags flying Tuesday. Ocean Rescue said they expect the rip currents, with strong winds impacting the beach, for at least the next few days.
