Rip Currents Torment Florida Beachgoers

May 29, 2007 — -- Violent rip currents hammered both of Florida's coasts on Memorial Day, forcing lifeguards to shut down at least one beach. Some 200 rescues were conducted by lifeguards.

Near Miami a teenager is reportedly missing after being swept out to sea. Officials had to suspend a rescue effort, citing the dangerous currents.

While the closure of Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach capped a dangerous holiday weekend for Florida beachgoers, the dangerous waters are expected to continue today.

In Volusia County, lifeguards saved two teens from drowning Sunday. A Volusia County Beach Patrol spokesman said that lifeguards pulled more than 150 people out of the ocean there over the long Memorial Day weekend.

On Sunday, two men were pulled from unguarded area of water in Palm Beach. One man lived, the other died.

Recent weather conditions are causing the rip currents along the Florida coast. The currents strike without warning, and they're taking a toll on the millions of tourists who will head to Florida's beach this season.

Lifeguards at Florida's Cocoa Beach have grown accustomed to the scene: Lifeguards charge into the water to save swimmers overcome by rip currents.

"The crowds are up in numbers since years past, and I think with all the natural hazards with the onshore wind. You put the two together and the numbers increase as far as rescues," said Wyatt Werneth, Brevard County's chief lifeguard.

A rip current is a fast-moving channel of water about 10 to 30 yards wide. As wind drives water toward the coast, rip currents form, pushing swimmers away from the shore.

If you are trapped in a rip current, it is best not to fight it, even if it means allowing the current to carry you farther. When the current releases you, swim parallel to the coast until you reach safety.

"Rip currents are the No. 1 weather-related killer in the state of Florida, and considering Florida is the lightning capital of the United States, that is saying something," said meteorologist Dennis Feltgen of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.