Palm Beach County Warns of Rip Current Risks During Spring Break

Lifeguards urge beachgoers to check conditions and never swim alone as rescues spike during peak tourist season.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With spring break drawing thousands of visitors to South Florida beaches, Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue is alerting beachgoers to check conditions before heading into the water and to never swim alone, even when the ocean looks calm. The warning comes after two people were caught in a rip current at the Boynton Inlet, and lifeguards say rip currents can form quickly and pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore.

Why it matters

Palm Beach County is a popular spring break destination, and the region is now in its busiest stretch of the year. Lifeguards have seen a spike in open water incidents, underscoring the importance of beach safety awareness and preparedness as large crowds flock to the shores.

The details

Lifeguards say rip currents can be difficult to spot, but there are signs to watch for, like debris or objects being pulled out to sea. During last spring break, from February through March, there were a total of 91 open water incidents in Palm Beach County. Lifeguards are also cautioning visitors about the dangers of alcohol consumption on the beach.

  • Palm Beach County is now in its busiest stretch of the year, from mid-February to early April.
  • During last spring break, from February through March, there were a total of 91 open water incidents in Palm Beach County.

The players

Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue

The county's ocean rescue service that patrols the beaches and responds to emergencies.

Nat Spurr

The public information officer with Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue.

Jeffrey Eversole

A Palm Beach Gardens resident who kept his family safely on the sand due to rip current warnings.

Alexander Eversole

Jeffrey Eversole's 5-year-old son who understood the rip current warning and did not go in the water.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Looks can always be deceiving. So, talk to the lifeguards when you arrive at the beach, look at the flag. We got a flag system.”

— Nat Spurr, Public information officer, Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue

“We couldn't swim, the water was all over the place — and there was a red flag. But we had fun and we stayed safe on the beach.”

— Jeffrey Eversole

“I did not go in the water ... because I saw the flags. My parents told me what the flag means.”

— Alexander Eversole

What’s next

Lifeguards say they are prepared for the surge in beachgoers and will be on patrol to ensure everyone stays safe.

The takeaway

This spring break season highlights the importance of beach safety awareness, as rip currents and other hazards can develop quickly, even for experienced swimmers. Heeding lifeguard warnings and checking conditions before entering the water can help prevent tragedies and ensure families have an enjoyable and safe time at the beach.