Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: Rip Currents.

Summertime in Florida means going to the beach.  We all want to have fun, but it is important to understand the ocean and be safe. 80% of ocean rescues are for people caught in rip currents.

Rip currents are fast and narrow flows of water that can quickly pull people away from the shoreline. They may appear as a calm area of water amongst the waves. If you are caught in a rip current, do not try to swim against the current.  Instead, stay calm and float.  Call for a lifeguard and swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current. 

Learn more about rip currents at oceanservice.noaa.gov and remember to always swim near a lifeguard and pay close attention to beach condition flags.  

 For information about this and other coastal topics, contact your county extension office or visit Florida Sea Grant at flseagrant.org.