Facing a weekend that's expected to draw massive crowds due to several high-profile events, Fort Lauderdale beachgoers are being cautioned about the risks of rip currents, especially with the Fort Lauderdale Air Show setting the backdrop. Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue is ramping up their manpower to spring break levels in anticipation of the influx of visitors, as reported by WSVN. In a statement obtained by WSVN, David Ochoa of Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue described the upcoming weekend as "the Super Bowl of lifeguarding, pretty much."
While business owners like Hunter Caldwell from Fishing Headquarters expect to see a surge in customers, potentially hindered should swimming become too perilous due to rip currents, they've adapted by offering alternative activities such as boat rentals during the air show. Caldwell told WSVN, "You can not only fish for the same price, but also see the air show at the same time." Concerns are heightened after a tragic rip current incident leading to the drowning of a 12-year-old boy off Fort Lauderdale beach last month.
Further emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Beach Patrol is bolstering their presence on the sand. "On average, there is one lifeguard per tower, and then depending on the busier zones, we'll do two lifeguards per tower for this occasion, and at some towers, the busiest ones, for example, at Sunrise Boulevard, will do a triple," Lt. David Ochoa reportedly told CBS News Miami. Last year, over 800 warnings about beach conditions were issued even though the waters were calm.
With rip currents being an issue for days, lifeguards have provided demonstrations on how to safely deal to get out of one. One demonstrator explained, "The first thing you want to do when you're in a rip current is to wave for help," emphasizing the technique to float and swim towards a sand bar if necessary. For those visiting with children, the message is clear: "Please keep all children within arm's reach," Ochoa reminded, according to a CBS News Miami interview.
Visitors like the Ferro Family from Argentina, who've come specifically for the air show, are heeding the advice to stay close to lifeguard stations. Matt Ferro expressed to CBS News Miami, "We are aware of the sea and the dangers of the sea, so that's why we usually stay very close to them, to be to feel safer."
