The National Weather Service has issued a rip current risk for coastal Sarasota County through this evening.
It says robust southwesterly winds have generated waves of two to three feet on the Gulf, increasing the risk of rip currents today.
These powerful channels of water flow quickly away from shore.
They happen most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar.
They can also happen near groins, jetties, and piers.
If you have to swim out of a rip current, then swim parallel to the shore and head back toward the beach when possible.
Do not swim directly against a rip current.