Beach Hazards Alert to Debut

Red tides, rip tides, chemical spills and even dangerous marine life will be highlighted in new alerts the National Weather Service plans to issue for beachgoers in coastal states, including Florida.

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

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

The new alert will 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 will begin piloting this new product, along with
Grand Rapids, Michigan; San Francisco Bay Area, California; Newport/Morehead
City, North Carolina; New Orleans/Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Seattle,
Washington.