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Floridians Warned to Avoid Beaches as Hazardous Rip Currents Persist
24 Oct
Summary
- National Weather Service issues high rip current risk warnings for over 3 million Floridians
- Dangerous marine conditions, including strong onshore winds and 10-foot waves, expected through the weekend
- Swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers urged to stay out of the water outside of lifeguard-protected areas
On October 25, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued high rip current risk warnings for large sections of the Florida coastline, advising over 3 million residents and visitors to avoid swimming as dangerous marine conditions threaten the state through the weekend.
The widespread warnings affect communities from the panhandle to the southern tip of Florida, covering both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The alerts have been issued amid strong onshore winds, which are known to create hazardous surf and powerful rip currents. These conditions put swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers at serious risk.
In some parts of Florida, the NWS has also issued a high surf advisory, warning of large breaking waves up to 10 feet that could create dangerous swimming conditions. Rip current statements have also been issued for Alabama's coastal counties.
The NWS is urging all residents and visitors in the affected counties to heed the warnings, avoid entering the surf, and monitor updates from local officials and forecast offices. Attempting to swim directly against a rip current can be life-threatening, and the NWS advises beachgoers to relax and float if caught, then swim parallel to the shoreline once able.
