Rough surf keeps rescue teams busy

Rough surf and dangerous rip currents made for a busy day for Brevard’s lifeguards, as ocean rescue teams had to pull at least 15 distressed swimmers from the water on Saturday.

In one case, lifeguards had to apply CPR after rescuing a woman who was caught in a rip current near Lori Wilson Park, said Chief Eisen Witcher of Brevard County Ocean Rescue. She was transported to Cape Canaveral Hospital in unknown condition.

“Conditions have deteriorated a bit, causing choppy surf and rip currents to form in certain areas,” Witcher said. “We expect these conditions to continue, certainly throughout the weekend and likely into the work week.”

Witcher cautioned beach-goers to be especially careful this weekend.

“Go to a lifeguard beach and don’t overestimate your abilities,” he said. “When in doubt, don’t go out.”

Rip currents, also called “rip tides” or “undertow,” are narrow, fast-moving channels in the surf zone that can pull swimmers away from shore faster than they can swim against it. That is why those who are caught in a rip current are strongly advised not to fight it.

Instead, Witcher said, common sense should prevail.

“Swim parallel to the shore” until the rip current releases you, he said. “If possible, try to wave for attention and don’t go out alone.”

BCOR has five full-time lifeguard stations and 20 seasonal stations located along Brevard’s coast.