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The National Weather Service of Miami (NWS Miami) warned this Saturday about strong waves and dangerous rip currents that continue along the southern Florida coasts, posting images from the Dania Beach pier that clearly illustrate the sea conditions.
The agency issued a high surf advisory with breaking waves between five and eight feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters) in the surfing area, effective from 7 AM this Saturday until 7 AM on Sunday.
The high-risk rip current alert, which covers the coastal counties of Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade, was originally issued on March 30 and extended multiple times, with the latest extension this past Friday.
NWS Miami published views from the Dania Beach pier in Broward County, looking south and north, to visually demonstrate the magnitude of the waves. The agency's message was straightforward: "While it's a beautiful day on solid ground, the situation changes on the water. When in doubt, it's better not to venture out!"
Meteorological authorities warned that rip currents "can drag even the best swimmers into deeper waters." In Florida, the dangers of these currents have claimed lives in the past: in 2025, a 12-year-old boy lost his life after being swept away by one of these currents. In 2024, a single weekend resulted in six deaths due to rip currents in that region alone.
At the national level, these currents cause more than 100 deaths each year and are responsible for over 80% of the rescues performed by lifeguards on beaches. According to data from the NWS, at least 185 lives have been lost due to rip currents in the most recent tracking period.
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