Right now, the National Weather Service has issued a High Rip Current Risk and High Surf Advisory for coastal Martin and St. Lucie Counties. Some breaking waves are reaching 8 between 12 feet with dangerous currents projected to run through Friday night, April 10th. If you're planning to hit the beach this week, please take all the necessary precautions. 

Rip currents are narrow channels of water rapidly flowing away from the shore. In simple terms, it’s the ocean’s way of pulling water back in after waves push it out. Often at a right angle to the beach, these strong streams are extremely dangerous for swimmers.  

As parents, we know drowning is preventable. Whether at the pool or in the Atlantic, it takes only seconds for a situation to take a turn for the worst. 

A few steps can make all the difference:

• Designate a water watcher—one adult, fully focused, no distractions. 

• Secure your pool with locked gates, barriers, and alarms.

• Teach kids to swim.

• Floaties and life jackets are no substitute for real skills.

• Swim near a lifeguard.

• If caught in a rip current, don't fight it—swim parallel to shore until free, then angle back to the beach.

As always, check current conditions at weather.gov/beach/florida before you go.