JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A high-pressure system, along with a Nor Easter, is sitting on top of Florida, creating extreme hazards, high surf, and strong currents along the Florida coastlines.
For that reason, Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue is urging beachgoers not to swim in the ocean this weekend due to the strong currents and high winds.
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The National Weather Service Jacksonville Office (NWS) has issued a high hazard, high surf, and strong currents for Duval and St. Johns County through this weekend.
What does this mean?
If you are planning on heading to the beach, it’s critically important to understand the hazards involved.
- Avoid entering the water unless you are a highly experienced ocean swimmer or surfer.
- Always swim in front of a lifeguard, who can assist quickly in case of an emergency.
- Call 911 immediately if you see someone in distress. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself, as this can put you at significant risk. Trained professionals will handle the situation.
What flags are flown at the lifeguard towers?
Due to the current ocean conditions, a lifeguard station will fly several different-colored flags to advise beachgoers of the hazards of the water.
These beach warning flags can change throughout the day.
These flags are essential to learn the different terms so you can stay safe
- Green – Safe to swim (Calm conditions)
- Yellow – Caution (medium hazards) – This could mean a rough day in the waves, large waves, or small rip currents.
- Purple – Stinging Marine Life: Man O’war, Jellyfish, Stingrays
- One Red Flag - High Hazard, High Surf, and Strong Currents
- Two Red Flags – Water is closed to the public
Other types of flags:
- Red over Yellow Flag -The red over yellow means something dangerous, and it advises swimmers to swim in an area with a lifeguard.
- Black and White (Quartered) - Designated for watercraft rather than for swimming. Avoid if possible.
- Yellow Flag with Black Ball - Watercrafts are prohibited.
- Orange Windsock - Offshore or strong winds. Avoid using any inflatables or floats.
- Red and White (Quartered) - Emergency Evacuation. There could be a variety of reasons for this, from sharks in the water to hurricanes.
What is a rip current?
According to Project Wipeout, rips are strong currents of water that flow from the beach, through the waves, out to sea.
Rips can move fast and can carry even the best swimmer into deeper water.
Rips ARE NOT “undertows”; they will not pull you down under the water.
“If you are caught in a rip current, don’t fight it by trying to swim directly to shore. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim into shore. Most rip currents are narrow, and a short swim parallel to shore will bring you to safety,” according to Jacksonville Ocean Rescue.
Last weekend, the Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Division also urged beachgoers to stay out of the water amid dangerous ocean conditions that were expected.
At least four people were transported to local hospitals after being pulled from the ocean in Ponte Vedra Beach and Hanna Park due to high rip current conditions last weekend.
A swimmer also went missing Saturday in the Mickler’s Landing area in St. Johns County and his body was found Monday.
MORE | Body of missing 20-year-old swimmer found in St. Johns County
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