Coastal Palm Beach County

Coastal Hazard Statement
Statement as of 5:01 AM EST on January 07, 2014

... High risk of rip currents in effect through this evening... 

The National Weather Service in Miami has issued a high risk of rip
currents... which is in effect through this evening.

* Timing... surf along the East Coast of Southeast Florida will
build through the day today as the strong northerly winds shift
to onshore and seas continue to build. This will lead to
hazardous rip currents by the end of the day.

* Impacts... hazardous swimming conditions will be expected by the
end of the day. 

Precautionary/preparedness actions... 

There is a high risk of rip currents.

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 jetties and
piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards and the beach patrol. Pay
attention to flags and posted signs.

If you become caught in a rip current... do not panic. Remain
calm and 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.