Pinellas County
Strong onshore winds and higher-than-normal tides have created rough surf and powerful rip currents that have kept lifeguards unusually busy for late July.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater Beach lifeguards are urging swimmers to use extra caution after an unusually dangerous stretch of water rescues over the past two weeks, with hazardous rip current conditions expected to continue through the weekend.
Strong onshore winds and higher-than-normal tides have created rough surf and powerful rip currents that have kept lifeguards unusually busy for late July.
"Last week, we were clocking around 30 rescues," said Patrick Brafford of the Clearwater Lifeguard Division. "The majority of those were multiple victims at one time. So far this week, we're up to five rescues today."
Brafford said the prolonged stretch of rough conditions is uncommon for this time of year.
"It is unusual," he said. "To have this much onshore west wind for this long in the month of July is not something we're generally used to."
The National Weather Service (NWS) has continued to warn of a high risk of rip currents along the Gulf Coast through the weekend. While conditions eased somewhat Friday, lifeguards said dangerous currents remain.
On Thursday, lifeguards flew double red flags and temporarily closed the water because of hazardous weather, including rough surf and lightning.
"Double red flag means the water is closed to the public," Brafford said. "When it's closed, it's closed. We'll let you know when it's open, and when you see those double red flags, please stay out of the water."
Brafford said one of the biggest challenges is getting beachgoers to understand and follow the warning flags.
"The problem is some people don't understand what it means, or when the lifeguards leave the beach to seek shelter, they creep back out into dangerous areas," he said. "We want people to know when it's closed, it's closed."
Visitors on Clearwater Beach said they noticed the rough conditions.
"It's a little rough," beachgoer Alex Bueno said. "Especially with the kids, we just have to keep an eye on them and make sure that they're safe."
Sean Anders said swimmers can feel the strength of the water.
"You can definitely feel it pulling you out," Anders said.
Clarissa Bueno said her family chose to stay close to shore after being knocked over by waves.
"We're staying really close to shore," she said. "Just because we did get wiped out a couple of times."
Another visitor, Raven, offered simple advice for anyone heading to the beach.
"If there's double red flags, then don't go out," she said.
Lifeguards are encouraging visitors to swim only at guarded beaches, learn what the beach warning flags mean, pay attention to public announcements and leave the water immediately when instructed to do so.
Anyone caught in a rip current should remain calm, float, signal for help and swim parallel to shore until they escape the current before heading back to the beach.
Despite the high number of rescues, Brafford said none of the swimmers rescued during lifeguards' operating hours over the past two weeks suffered serious injuries or required transportation to a hospital.
Lifeguards hope that continues through what is expected to be another busy weekend on Clearwater Beach.