Weather

Rip Current Flag Warnings Flying; Not Good Day For Beach

Lifeguard stations along Tampa Bay beaches are flying the red flags indicating residents should avoid swimming.

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D'Ann Lawrence White, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
The red flags posted at beaches indicate a strong current and the possibility of deadly rip currents.
The red flags posted at beaches indicate a strong current and the possibility of deadly rip currents. (Clearwater Police)

TAMPA BAY, FL — If your Friday plans included a visit to the beach, you might want to reconsider.

With the tropical system in the Gulf, rip currents are possible along area beaches through Saturday evening, warned the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.

In response, lifeguard stations along Tampa Bay beaches are flying the red flags indicating residents should avoid swimming due to a high surf or strong currents.

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

As a reminder, if caught in a rip current:
• Relax and float.
• Don`t swim against the current.
• If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline.
• If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.


Find out what's happening in Clearwaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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