A high risk of rip currents continues at the gulf beaches through this evening with surf heights around 2 to 3 feet. Beachgoers are strongly encouraged to stay out of the surf, know the beach flags, and follow the advice of beach safety officials.
A rip current is a strong, narrow current of water flowing away from shore. Rip currents commonly form around breaks in sandbars & near jetties/piers. It's a natural treadmill traveling up to 8 feet per second - faster than an Olympic swimmer.