Ernesto expected to churn up dangerous rip currents for Volusia-Flagler

Hurricane Ernesto is a Category 2 storm as it moves toward Bermuda early Friday, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center .

Although it remains far from Florida’s eastern coast, Ernesto is forecast to bring dangerous swells and life-threatening rip currents through the weekend to the state, including Volusia and Flagler counties.

“We are expecting hazardous rip current conditions, and we will be flying the red flag this weekend,” said Tammy Malphurs, Volusia County Beach Safety director . “We urge beachgoers to make sure, no matter what, to swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower.”

Malphurs said that 80% of rescues by county lifeguards are rip-current related.

Malphurs also recommended that those heading to the beach download the Volusia Beaches app on their smart phones. It offers real-time information on beach conditions and the location of staffed lifeguard towers.

What effect will Ernesto have on surf conditions in Volusia-Flagler?

An advisory of high risk for rip currents was issued on Friday for all east Central Florida beaches, including those in Volusia and Flagler counties, by the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

The advisory warns of the potential for numerous strong, life-threatening rip currents as well as rough surf with breaking waves of 4-5 feet in the surf zone.

The advisory offers a reminder that rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from the shore into deeper water. It strongly urges residents and visitors to stay out of the surf.

The advisory extends through late Saturday night.

What are rip currents?

Rip currents are powerful, concentrated channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, most often found at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as jetties and piers.

Sometimes rip currents end right after where the waves are breaking, sometimes they keep pulling hundreds of yards offshore. A rip current's strength and speed can vary wildly within a matter of minutes .

Rip currents form when incoming waves create an underwater sandbar. The waves push more water between the sandbar and the shore until it collapses and the water rushes back to the sea through a narrow gap, where it starts to spread out.

Rip currents often form during or after stormy weather but can form on bright, sunny days just as easily since the weather isn't really what's causing them. Rip currents can be found at any beach with waves, at any time.

How fast do rip currents move?

Rip currents usually move around 1-2 feet per second, but can speed up to 8 feet per second. That's 5.45 mph, which isn’t fast compared with an automobile, but it far swifter than average human being tends to swim at roughly 2 mph.

A rip current is typically the strongest about a foot off the bottom of the ocean floor, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , which can cause your feet to get knocked out from under you and increase the feeling of being dragged along. While you're in it, it can feel relentless.

Even strong, experienced swimmers caught in a rip current can easily tire themselves out trying to swim back to shore against a rip current.

If you get caught in a rip current

By far the most important thing to do is to stay calm, and even try to relax. They can be scary, but rip currents will only pull you along, they won't pull you under the water. The biggest danger is tiring yourself out.

• Don't panic or thrash about. Don't fight the current.
• You may be able to get out of the current by swimming with it parallel to the shore (or just floating or treading water) until it fades or circulates back to shore, and then you can swim to the beach.
• You also can try swimming with the current toward breaking waves, where you may be able to swim for shore.
• If you can't reach the shore or you're being pulled farther out to sea, or you're getting tired, draw attention to yourself by waving or shouting for help.

If you see someone caught in a rip current

The second biggest danger is from people trying to rescue someone else in a rip current and drowning themselves . It's a perfectly natural impulse that may cause more harm than good . If you see someone in that situation:

• Get a lifeguard.
• If there isn't a lifeguard nearby, call 9-1-1.
• Try to tell the victim to stay calm and swim along the shoreline.
• If it's possible and you can do so safely, throw the victim something that floats.

How can I spot rip currents?

Before you even go near the water, check the conditions. There are several ways.

• Check the forecast. The National Weather Service issues rip current statements or you can check current Florida rip current risks at weather.gov/beach/florida .
• At the beach, look for warning flags at beach approaches or lifeguard station. Red flags mean dangerous rip current activity is expected. Double red flags mean the water is closed to the public.
• Ask a lifeguard. Don't be shy, any lifeguard would be happy to let you know if it's dangerous to go in the water.
• Stand back where you can see the ocean's surface and check for visible gaps of darker, flat spots in lines of breaking waves; a channel of churning, choppy water; a difference in water color; or a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving back toward the sea. But rip currents can be subtle and hard to identify, according to NOAA.

Protect yourself and family from rip currents

Being aware of conditions is important, but a rip current may still catch you unaware. Here's how to plan ahead.

• Always swim near a lifeguard, and ask one about water conditions. Teach your children to do the same.
• Assume that rip currents are out there, whether there's a warning or not.
• Make sure that you and your family know how to swim in the surf. Being good in the pool doesn't mean you can handle the ocean.
• Consider flotation devices for anyone who may have problems staying above water for extended periods of time.

What do the beach warning flags mean?

Watch for beach warning flags at lifeguard towers, stations and other locations for a heads-up on current conditions and potential dangers.

• Double red flags mean the water is closed to the public.
• A red flag is high hazard, meaning high surf and/or strong currents.
• A yellow flag is medium hazard, meaning moderate surf and/or currents.
• A green flag is low hazard, meaning calm conditions, exercise caution.
• A purple flag means that dangerous marine life spotted.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Ernesto expected to churn up dangerous rip currents for Volusia-Flagler