Strong Currents Call for No Swim Advisory at Clearwater Beach

With wind speeds of up to 27 mph and four foot waves at Clearwater Beach, red flags are on all towers indicating a high hazard because of strong currents and dangerous surf conditions and beach goers should avoid going into the Gulf of Mexico.

A Red No Swim flag is hoisted at tower 1 and No Swim flags are placed on the beach to the jetty, according to Joelle Castelli, city spokeswoman.

"We are keeping that area clear of swimmers because of the strong current and heavy surf pushing into the rocks and around the jetty into Clearwater Pass," Castelli said in a release.

A No Swim Flag is hoisted on tower 4 and no swimming signs are posted between tower 4 and Pier 60 because of the strong lateral/long shore current pushing into the pier.

If beach goers decide to swim, Clearwater Beach Lifeguards ask that they heed the warnings and flags and swim near a lifeguard.

"Swimming is allowed in areas other than these but is not advised today," Castelli said.

Conditions are not expected to improve throughout the day.

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