Swimmer dies amid high rip current risk as spring-breakers flock to Florida beaches
As spring break continues around the U.S., so does the increased risk of rip currents as thousands of people flock to the beach. Tragedy unfolded in Southeast Florida as officials from Pompano Beach Fire Rescue were dispatched to a swimmer in distress on Sunday night.
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – As spring break continues around the U.S., so does the increased risk of rip currents as thousands of people flock to the beach.
Tragedy unfolded in Southeast Florida as officials from Pompano Beach Fire Rescue were dispatched to a swimmer in distress on Sunday night.
This comes as there is a high rip current risk for all Central Florida Atlantic beaches this week, including locations along the Daytona, Space and Treasure Coasts.
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Wave heights ranging from three to four feet are expected, and it is strongly discouraged to enter the water.
According to a press release from city officials, Ocean Rescue lifeguards were immediately dispatched and entered the water, where they located a man who was unresponsive before bringing him back to shore.
Rescuers performed CPR and other lifesaving measures until fire rescue teams arrived to provide advanced life support while transporting him to the nearest medical facility.
"Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, the patient was subsequently pronounced deceased at the hospital," a statement from the city of Pompano Beach reads.
HEROIC FATHER DROWNS AFTER RESCUING CHILDREN FROM DANGEROUS RIP CURRENT AT FLORIDA BEACH
It's not the only rip current-related death reported in Florida this week. A man died last week while saving two of his children from a rip current while the family was vacationing in the Sunshine State.
As temperatures continue to rise and people visit the beach, the risk of rip currents remains constant, posing a threat to even the most experienced swimmers.
The National Weather Service (NWS) offers a surf forecast for popular beach locations to help beach-goers and swimmers prepare for inadequate conditions such as rip current risk, surf height, thunderstorm risk and more.
VIDEO: FATHER AND DAUGHTER HEROICALLY RESCUED BY SWIM COACH IN RIP CURRENT IN CALIFORNIA
Locations in the Orlando metro area are at risk of strong storms across East Central Florida to start the week, dampening plans for spring breakers to get outside.
Rip currents are strong, narrow currents that move away from shore and out to sea at high speeds.
Unfortunately, many people are injured or killed each year by dangerous waves and currents, according to the NWS. A rip current is a natural treadmill that travels at an average speed of 1 to 2 feet per second, but has been measured as fast as 8 feet per second.
If you become stuck in a rip current, do not panic. Don't swim directly against the current; try swimming sideways along the shoreline until you gradually escape the current's pull.
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Once you are finally free from the current, swim at an angle back to the beach.
The NWS recommends choosing a location with lifeguards on duty for a safe beach experience. They're also the best source of local information about beach conditions and hazards.
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