New 'Beach Hazard' Alerts in Effect

Red tides, rip tides, chemical spills and even dangerous marine life are included in new alerts that the National Weather Service is issuing for beachgoers in coastal states, including Florida.

NOAA's National Weather Service in Ruskin began testing the new "Beach Hazards Statement," which includes recommendations for ways the public can seek protection and safety to beach hazards, June 1.

Many rescues, injuries and deaths in coastal areas are related to beach hazards that are not yet addressed in official watches, warnings and advisories, according to the National Weather Service.  

The new alerts include information on routine coastal hazards, such as rip
currents, and unusual ecological hazards identified by NOAA's National Ocean
Service.

The Tampa Bay Area Weather Forecast Office is one of six National Weather
Service forecast offices that is piloting this new alert system, along with
Grand Rapids, MI; the San Francisco Bay area in California; Newport/Morehead City, NC; New Orleans/Baton Rouge, LA; and Seattle, WA.