Beachgoers Warned to Stay Out of Water in Florida

NWS issues life-threatening rip current warnings along Florida's east coast through Sunday

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:10pm

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The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned millions of people along parts of the Florida coastline to stay out of the water due to life-threatening rip currents that are expected to last through Sunday evening. A high rip current risk is in place for coastal Palm Beach County, as well as beaches in northeast Florida, Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin counties. The NWS has strongly discouraged entering the surf in these areas.

Why it matters

Rip currents are a major safety concern for beachgoers, as they can quickly pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore into deeper waters. This warning aims to prevent potential drownings and water rescues along the Florida coast, which sees high tourist traffic during this time of year.

The details

According to the NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents are strong, narrow streams of water that flow away from the shore, pulling water from the beach back out to sea. They are commonly found along the east, gulf, and west coasts of the U.S., often forming where there are gaps in sandbars or man-made structures. Rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer, up to 8 feet per second, making them extremely dangerous for beachgoers.

  • The high rip current risk is in place until Sunday night.
  • The northeast Florida Beaches and the beaches of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin counties are also under a rip current risk warning until late on Sunday night.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service is the primary weather forecasting agency of the United States, which has issued the high rip current risk warnings along the Florida coast.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.

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What’s next

The NWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the rip current risk through Sunday evening.

The takeaway

This warning highlights the importance of heeding beach safety advisories, as rip currents can pose a serious threat to even the strongest swimmers. Beachgoers should pay close attention to any warnings issued by the NWS or local lifeguards, and avoid entering the water if a high rip current risk is in place.