Beachgoers in Florida are on high alert for drownings caused by rip currents

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – It’s been a heartbreaking and deadly week for tourists traveling to Florida’s beaches.

Since Thursday, six people have drowned after being caught in rip currents.

A couple visiting from Pennsylvania drowned when a strong current swept them into the Atlantic Ocean near Hutchinson Island.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said the couple was on vacation with their six children.

“Despite the efforts of family members, Martin County Ocean Rescue, MCFR paramedics and Cleveland Clinic North physicians, a Pennsylvania couple who were caught in a surf current while swimming on Hutchinson Island this afternoon could not be saved,” the sheriff’s office said. “The man and woman, identified as 51-year-old Brian Warter and 48-year-old Erica Wishard, were beginning their Florida vacation day at the beach along with their six mostly teenage children. While in the water, the couple and two of the teens were swept away by a surf current. The children were able to break through the current and attempt to help their parents, but it became too dangerous and they were forced to swim to shore. Martin County Ocean Rescue found the victims and began CPR on shore. These life-saving efforts continued in the ambulance and at the hospital, where doctors did their last best before pronouncing the couple dead.”

Four people drowned on Panama City Beach within 48 hours.

There are ways to protect yourself and your family before entering the water.

According to NOAA, signs of a rip current can be subtle and difficult to spot, especially in rough ocean conditions. However, sometimes you can spot them, especially from vantage points higher than the water’s edge. Some clues include:

• A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water, flanked by areas of breaking waves and whitewater.
• A channel with turbulent water that differs from the surrounding water
• A difference in water color, such as an area of ​​muddy appearing water (caused by sediment and sand carried from the beach).
• A uniform sheet of foam or seaweed carried by the surf.

During stronger rip currents, you may be able to observe the water flowing away from the beach. If you are ever in doubt, ask a lifeguard at a patrolled beach and they will tell you if they have observed rip currents.
According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents account for over 80% of lifeguard rescues at surf beaches.

If you find yourself in a rip current, the NWS recommends the following:

• Relax – you won’t be pulled underwater by back currents.
• A rip current is a natural treadmill that moves at an average speed of 30 to 60 cm per second, but has been measured at speeds of 2.40 m per second – faster than an Olympic swimmer. Do not try to swim against the rip current. It will only rob you of the energy you need to survive and escape.
• DO NOT try to swim straight to shore. Swim parallel to shore until you escape the current. When you are no longer as strong, swim to shore at an angle away from the current.
• If you feel like you can’t reach the shore, relax, look towards the shore and call or wave for help. Remember: if in doubt, don’t go out!
• If possible, only swim at beaches where there are lifeguards.
• If you choose to swim at a beach without lifeguards, never go alone. Take a friend with you and have him or her carry a cell phone so he or she can call 911.