LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A high Rip Current Risk is now in effect though Friday morning in coastal Lee and Charlotte counties.
According to the National Weather Service, moderate onshore winds will continue to create rip currents along area beaches today through Friday morning.
The warning is in effect for Sarasota, Manatee, and Pinellas counties as well.
Life threatening rip currents are possible. Never swim alone.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties, and piers.
If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help.
If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.
