Community Corner

High Risk of Rip Currents Along Pinellas Beaches

The risk for rip currents along the beaches is issued through 8 p.m. Wednesday. The warning is for Pinellas Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The National Weather Service is warning swimmers of an increased risk for rip currents along area beaches.

Even the strongest swimmer can be pulled into deeper water, according to The National Weather Service.

The increased risk for rip currents is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

"Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away form shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar," the weather service said. "... If you became caught in a rip current, 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."

For a complete look at your local weather, visit The National Weather Service.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here