Marine Surf Page

You can significantly reduce the risk to yourself from rip currents:

Swim Near Lifeguards. The U.S. Lifesaving Association estimates the chance of drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards is just 1 in 18 million.
Know The Risk. Be familiar with the Florida beach flag system (learn more!).
Never Swim Alone. Be sure that someone knows where you are in the water, and can spot if there is trouble.
Learn How To Swim. You should both know how to swim AND be familiar with how to swim out of a rip current. More information on that below. If you don't know how to swim or are a weaker swimmer, you should wear a life jacket.
If caught in a rip current, wave your hands, yell, swim parallel.
If someone has trouble swimming or is caught in a rip current, Alert the lifeguard. If no lifeguard available call 9-1-1
Swimming at the beach often requires very good swimming skills.

Ocean Rescue Websites and Information:

Observed Water Temperatures