PANAMA CITY BEA CH, Florida — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tallahassee issued a warning on Thursday, April 3, 2025, stating a high risk of rip currents along the Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast beaches.
The affected areas include Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, and Santa Rosa counties, with the risk expected to continue through the weekend and into early next week.
The NWS reported that surf conditions will be dangerous, with rip currents posing a threat to swimmers. Specific beaches mentioned include Miramar Beach in Walton County, Panama City Beach in Bay County, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Gulf County, and Cape San Blas in Franklin County.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties, and piers.
Remember to swim near a life guard and do not swim alone. Ask the beach patrol about ocean hazards when you arrive at the beach.
If you become caught in a rip current – do not panic – but yell for help. Remain calm and do not exhaust yourself. Stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, begin to swim parallel to shore.
Once you are away from the force of the rip current, begin to swim back to the beach. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current. Even a strong swimmer can become exhausted quickly.
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