Manatee County officials are warning beachgoers to stay alert after lifeguards responded to dozens of water emergencies along local beaches over a three-day stretch.

Beach Rescues

Between Wednesday and Friday of last week, Manatee County Beach Patrol said it responded to 136 rescues. Lifeguards also observed more than 125 rip currents during that period and made 187 proactive safety interventions aimed at preventing water rescues and medical emergencies before they happened.

Beach conditions can change quickly, and lifeguards have been closely monitoring the shoreline in recent days. Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from shore and can develop quickly, making them one of the most dangerous hazards beachgoers face.

Safety Precautions

Manatee County is encouraging visitors to take several precautions before entering the water, including swimming near a staffed lifeguard tower, paying attention to beach warning flags, and designating a ‘water watcher’ if children are in the water.

If caught in a rip current, beachgoers are advised to stay calm, float, conserve energy, and swim parallel to shore until out of the current. Applying sunscreen, seeking shade, and staying hydrated are also recommended.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.