Persistent winds driven by tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico are generating high surf and hazardous rip currents at Clearwater Beach, leading to a sharp rise in water rescues over the past several days.
Red Flag Warnings
Clearwater Fire & Rescue beach lifeguards have pulled more than a dozen swimmers from the water during the recent swell. First responders answered eight rescue calls yesterday and brought another five people to safety earlier today as rough conditions continued along the coast.
Lifeguards have raised red warning flags along the beach, signaling high-hazard surf conditions and strong currents. Local officials advise against swimming while red flags are active.
Clearwater Fire & Rescue Division Chief Benjamin McBride reminded beachgoers that anyone who chooses to enter the water should always swim near a station lifeguard, pay close attention to the warning flags posted at each tower, and obey all posted signage.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
