The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk through Sunday evening.
It says as Hurricane Joaquin lifts north from the Bahamas, a surface low develops north of Florida.
The service anticipates the pressure gradient increasing over the Gulf of Mexico along the coast of southwest and west central Florida.
This produces breezy winds through the weekend, leading to building surf and a high risk of rip currents.
If you get caught in one, then swim parallel to the shore. Once away from the force, start swimming back to the beach.