High rip current risks threaten Gulf Coast beaches this weekend

If you are heading down to the coast this weekend for some sun and sand, you will want to keep a close eye on the water before diving in.

The National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola has issued a high rip current risk warning for both Alabama and Northwest Florida beaches. Powerful, channeled currents of water are flowing rapidly away from the shore, creating conditions that can quickly exhaust even the strongest swimmers.

The warning impacts popular local destinations across the Alabama coast:

• Dauphin Island
• Fort Morgan
• Gulf Shores
• Orange Beach

The 5-day risk outlook

The danger is highest right now, but conditions are expected to improve as the week goes on.

🔴 Today + Tonight: High Risk (Life-threatening rip currents are likely)
🟡 Saturday + Sunday: Moderate Risk (Life-threatening rip currents are possible)
🟢 Monday + Tuesday: Low Risk

Even if the weather overhead looks beautiful and sunny, distant storms or offshore hurricanes can still create deadly waves and currents.

How to stay safe in the surf

The absolute best way to stay safe is to swim near a lifeguard and never swim alone. If you do plan to get in the water, make sure you know exactly what to do if you get caught in a strong current.

• Do not panic: Rip currents do not pull you under; they carry you away from the shore.
• Do not fight the current: Swimming directly back to the beach will exhaust you quickly.
• Swim parallel: Swim sideways, parallel to the shoreline, to escape the pull of the current. Once you are out of it, swim at an angle back to the beach.
• Float to survive: If you cannot escape, face the shore, float or tread water + wave your arms to signal for help.