Weather Service Warns of Beach Hazards

The National Weather Service is warning Tampa Bay area beach goers to be mindful of conditions on the water before they dive in.

The agency has issued a beach hazards statement for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. The warning, which went into effect Tuesday morning, addresses the potential risk of rip currents in waters along the coastline. Conditions conducive for rip current formation are anticipated to remain in place through Tuesday evening. It is unclear if they will persist into Wednesday.

As of Tuesday morning, forecasters said there was a “moderate risk of life threatening rip currents” in coastal waters. Rip currents are strong channels of water that flow quickly away from shore. These currents can pull swimmers along as they move away from shore.

Those caught in currents are urged not to swim against them.

“Do not panic,” the weather service advises. “Remain calm and begin to swim parallel to shore. Once you are away from the force of the rip current, begin to swim back to the beach.”

The service warns that even strong swimmers can become exhausted quickly if they try to fight the currents.

Beach goers are urged to heed lifeguard advice.

Storm chances in Tampa Bay area remain strong throughout the week. Tuesday brings a 40 percent chance for scattered storms in much of the region as does Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

For a complete look at the weather in your part of the Bay, visit your local Patch’s homepage.

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