SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Sarasota County Emergency Services released Day 1 information for Rip Current Awareness Week, noting that rip currents kill more than 100 beachgoers in the United States each year. The agency says visitors are safest at beaches with lifeguards.

The release describes rip currents as a powerful channel of water that moves away from the shore, with currents being more intense near inlets, jetties and piers. Officials say rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea and are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.

What to do if you are caught in a rip current

• Relax. Rip currents don't pull you under.
• Don't swim against the current.
• Swim out of the current, then to shore.
• If you can't escape, float or tread water.
• If you need help, yell or wave for assistance.

Officials say you should always swim near a lifeguard and follow the advice of beach patrol and the beach flag warning system.

Caught in a rip current?

Don't fight the current. Swim parallel to the beach. If you can't escape, yell for help and try to relax and float or tread water.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service at weather.gov/beach and weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent.

North Port, FL

6050 Porter Way, Sarasota, FL 34232

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