As beach season ramps up, the Surfside Police Department is reminding residents and visitors to stay alert and informed about rip current dangers and the meaning behind beach warning flags.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can quickly sweep swimmers away from the shore. According to the National Weather Service, they are responsible for more than 100 drownings each year in the United States.
To help prevent tragedies, Surfside Police are issuing a public service announcement urging beachgoers to follow posted signs and understand the beach flag color system:
- Green Flag – Low hazard: calm conditions, exercise caution.
- Yellow Flag – Medium hazard: moderate surf and/or currents.
- Red Flag – High hazard: strong surf and/or currents; swimming not advised.
- Double Red Flags – Water closed to the public.
- Purple Flag – Dangerous marine life present, such as jellyfish.
“Even on calm days, rip currents can develop unexpectedly,” said Surfside Police Deputy Chief Henry Doce. “Understanding flag colors can save lives.”
If caught in a rip current, officials urge swimmers not to panic or try to swim directly back to shore. Instead, they should swim parallel to the shore until they are out of the current, then swim back to land at an angle.
The Surfside Police Department encourages all beach visitors to check conditions before entering the water and to share this information with friends and family.
“Safety begins with awareness,” Doce said. “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches while staying vigilant and informed.”