INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Hurricane Irene, now a Category 1 storm, is far from the Treasure Coast but still Indian River County is feeling her affect – rip currents.
The National Weather Service has issued a Rip Current Risk Statement through this evening as lingering swells from Hurricane Irene produce a high risk for strong and dangerous rip currents at the beaches.
The surf zone will be hazardous all day, but the greatest rip current risk will be from late morning through mid afternoon due to tidal effects.
When the rip current risk is high, the surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore that occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and piers.
Heed the advice of lifeguards and the beach patrol. Pay attention to flags and posted signs.
If you become caught in a rip current, do not panic. Remain calm and begin to swim parallel to shore. Once you are away from the force of the rip current, begin to swim back to the beach. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current. Even a strong swimmer can become exhausted quickly.