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Miami Herald
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Rip currents are a threat along Florida's beaches. Here's how to protect yourself
Thousands of swimmers were warned of dangerous waters in South Florida over Easter weekend after a 13-year-old boy died in an accidental ocean drowning while swimming near a lifeguard tower in Fort Lauderdale. Frank Guzman, a Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue spokesman, said lifeguards rescued 33 swimmers between Friday and Sunday, and conducted 4,350 'preventative actions' — defined as making contact with swimmers prior to them being in distress. READ MORE: Teen boy identified days after drowning in choppy waters off Fort Lauderdale beach Rip current forecast A high rip current risk alert was issued for coastal Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties through Tuesday evening by the National Weather Service in Miami. 'Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,' the service said in the alert. 'When in doubt, don't venture out,' the service said on a Facebook post Tuesday morning. What is a rip current Rip currents form when waves crash at the shore, creating water currents that flow away from a beach's edge, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These powerful channels of water can extend hundreds of feet past where waves begin to break. Rip currents can sweep a swimmer along as if they are caught on a treadmill. They are often referred to as 'drowning machines' by lifeguards, according to NOAA. They are the leading cause of rescues for people in the surf. Weak or non-swimmers are most at risk but even even experienced swimmers can get in trouble. Though rip current speeds typically flow 1-2 feet per second, some speeds have been clocked as as fast as 8 feet per second — besting Olympic swimmers' paces, NOAA noted. What to do if caught in a rip current The American Red Cross offers the following tips on staying safe when rip currents are around. You should first heed warnings — lifeguards will often post signs or flags — and avoid the water under these conditions. Rip tides are common during storms, even if they are far out to sea. They are also common within 100 feet of surrounding piers and jetties. If you do happen to get caught in a rip tide, here's what to do: ▪ Stay calm and don't fight the current. ▪ Swim parallel to the shore with the current until you are out of it. Once free, turn and swim at an angle away from the current toward the shore. ▪ Can't escape the rip current by swimming? Float or tread water until you are free and then head toward the shore. ▪ If you feel you will be unable to reach the shore, call attention to yourself by waving and shouting for help. Miami Herald staff writer David Goodhue contributed to this report.
Miami Herald
20-04-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Florida faces rising climate threats in 4 disaster reports
South Florida Florida faces rising climate threats in 4 disaster reports Florida's climate challenges are intensifying, with hurricanes, inland flooding, wildfires and rising sea levels spotlighting the state's vulnerability to climate change. Hurricanes like Milton and Helene have demonstrated the growing frequency and severity of extreme rainfall, displacing vulnerable inland communities. Inequities in disaster recovery exacerbate the issue, as low-income and minority populations often lack access to adequate resources, further widening wealth gaps after disasters. Coastal flood risks are projected to worsen significantly by 2050. The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers ride a flats boat through the flooded N 12th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida's Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal NO. 1: HURRICANE MILTON BROUGHT A SHOCKING DELUGE. THE REASON WHY DOESN'T BODE WELL FOR FLORIDA 'Hurricanes are more intense, they're wetter and seem to be moving at a slower pace.' | Published October 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi Ana Claudia Chacin A resident walks with her belongings through the flooded N 15th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida's Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal NO. 2: AFTER DISASTERS LIKE MILTON, WHITES GAIN WEALTH, WHILE PEOPLE OF COLOR LOSE, RESEARCH SHOWS The Biden administration has approved more than $2.3 billion for those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Studies show the system for distributing the funds deepens historical divides. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Amy Green Homestead, FL- Florida Forest Service Helicopter gathers water from a retention pond behind Homestead Speedway Friday, March 21, 2025, to fight nearby wildfires in south Miami-Dade County. By David Goodhue NO. 3: CONDITIONS ARE RIPE FOR A SPRINGTIME OF FIRES IN SOUTH FLORIDA, FOREST EXPERTS SAY Drier winter conditions and two major hurricanes last year are big factors | Published March 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Goodhue Milena Malaver A resident walks with her belongings through the flooded N 15th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida's Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal NO. 4: FLORIDA MOST AT RISK OF 'SEVERE COASTAL FLOODING.' NEW RESEARCH SHOWS WHERE 'This is a level of exposure that's going to require a massive amount of planning and investment in coastal resilience.' | Published April 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
