15 Rescued From Drowning; Water Safety Campaign Launched
City of Fort Lauderdale - Public Information Office
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15 Rescued From Drowning; Water Safety Campaign Launched

Matt Little, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4732 or MLittle@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - Several days of strong rip current conditions and an influx of Spring Break visitors account for busier than usual operations for Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue.  Fifteen rip current rescues were reported, along with six major medical incidents and over 900 preventative actions this week.

This week the City of Fort Lauderdale launched a water safety campaign to raise awareness to the dangers of rip currents and the importance of swimming in lifeguard-supervised areas of the beach. 

The City unveiled a new web site that features daily beach conditions, important safety information, a curriculum for teachers and an educational activity book for school children.  The site also hosts a live web cam of the beach courtesy of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.  The web site is at www.fortlauderdale.gov/oceanrescue.
 
The City is urging the public to swim near a lifeguard.  In the lifeguard-supervised areas of Fort Lauderdale Beach, drowning is very rare.  The most recent incident was more than 20 years ago.  Most water-related fatalities occur in unsupervised waters distant from lifeguard towers. 

Fifteen lifeguard towers are staffed along the beach, 9:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., extending from Fort Lauderdale’s South Beach Picnic Area up to and including the beach in front of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.

Today, red flags posted on the beach and flying from lifeguard towers warn of hazardous ocean conditions with large, powerful waves and strong rip currents. 

For your safety:

  • Swim in a supervised area
  • Heed warning flags
  • Never swim alone
  • Don’t fight the current
  • Swim sober; no beer or alcohol is allowed on the beach
  • Leash your surfboard
  • Don’t use floats where you can’t swim

For emergencies dial 9-1-1. For more information on any of the programs offered by Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue, including presentations to groups, please call (954) 828-4595. For Beach Conditions, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/oceanrescue or call (954) 828-4597.

Flag Conditions

Flags posted on the beach and flying from lifeguard towers represent ocean hazards and surf conditions.  Please remember that ocean conditions can change quickly.  Check with the lifeguard on duty if you are unsure of safe conditions.

Green Flag
Mild ocean hazards with the possibility of larger waves and rip currents.

Yellow Flag
Moderate ocean hazards with frequent large waves and rip currents.  Swimmers should be experienced.

Red Flag
Extremely hazardous ocean conditions with large, powerful waves and strong rip currents.  Only expert swimmers and surfers with proper equipment should enter the water.

Double Red Flag
The water and/or beach are closed to the public due to severe currents and/or surf, water pollution, the threat of lightning, or the presence of predatory fish.

Purple Flag
Aquatic organisms and pests are present (example: jellyfish).