Perilous Conditions Persist On Tampa Bay Area Waters

TAMPA, FL — While sunshine, blue skies and highs in the 60s are expected throughout the Tampa Bay area over the next few days, conditions on local waters may not be so welcoming. According to the National Weather Service, high winds and rip currents remain a concern throughout the region.

With wind speeds of up to 25 knots and seas to 6 feet anticipated through Wednesday morning, the weather service has issued a warning for small craft operators. Conditions throughout the region could be hazardous for those in small boats until the winds die down, forecasters say.

Three people out in a small boat near St. Petersburg’s Dick Meisner Bridge discovered just how perilous the conditions are Tuesday morning when the small boat they were in capsized. St. Petersburg Fire Rescue attributed the accident to the weather conditions. All three males, ages 46, 32 and 9, were recovered safely by the city’s marine team.

See also: 3 People Rescued After Boat Capsizes In St. Pete

Boaters aren’t the only ones being asked to take care in coastal areas over the next day or so. The weather service has also issued a rip current statement that is expected to remain in effect until Wednesday morning. Forecasters say there is a high rip current risk for the coastal areas of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.

Rip currents are channels of water that flow rapidly away from the shoreline. They tend to occur most frequently in low spots or breaks in sandbars, the agency explained in its Tuesday statement.

“If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help,” forecasters said. “Remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help.”

People who have to swim out of rip currents are urged to swim parallel to the shore and back to the beach when they are able. Swimmers at area beaches should pay attention to lifeguard warning and keep a look out for flags and signs before getting into the water, the agency added.

While conditions offshore may not be ideal over the next day or so, that shouldn't be the case on land. Forecasters expect sunny conditions with highs in the 60s through Thursday. Overnight lows, however, could get a little chilly with dips into the 40s expected.

For an extended forecast in your neighborhood, visit your local Patch’s homepage.

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