Almost 200 swimmers rescued from rip currents in a single Florida county this week

Powerful rip currents off the coast of Volusia County in Central Florida have led to almost 200 rescues this week.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Powerful rip currents off the coast of Volusia County in Central Florida have led to almost 200 rescues simply this previous week, together with 62 in a day, in line with officers.

One purpose for the excessive variety of rescues is that many swimmers underestimate the facility of a rip present, in line with Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Public Information Officer Tamra Malphurs.

“Even the strongest swimmers can get caught in a rip current,” she mentioned.

Rip present flag.

(JAYDEE LEE SERRANO / AFP / Getty Images)

Many of the folks caught in rip currents are those that aren’t from Volusia County.

“We do see a lot of rescues with tourists that come from different areas of the country – even the state – that aren’t familiar with the ocean and rip currents,” Malphurs mentioned.

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She suggested that, ought to somebody be caught in a rip present, that they swim parallel to the shore to flee the present. Swimming towards the present could cause folks to develop into exhausted and probably drown.

Swimmers must also bear in mind to stay calm and attempt to float.

To be secure within the water, Malphurs offered one piece of recommendation for beachgoers:

“The most important basic thing to remember: swim in front of that staff lifeguard tower,” Malphurs mentioned.

FILE – A lifeguard appears to be like from his put up on Clearwater Beach on September 27, 2022 in Clearwater.

(BRYAN R. SMITH / AFP / Getty Images)

She additionally beneficial talking with the lifeguard, who can share further data on how you can be secure within the water.

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Rip currents trigger greater than 100 deaths every year within the U.S., in line with the National Weather Service.