Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers in Walton, Gulf and Bay counties to use caution and heed local advisories Saturday as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected along Panhandle beaches.

When red flags are flying beachgoers need to be aware that swimming in the Gulf of Mexico can be dangerous.

When single Red Flags are changed to Double Red Flags then the gulf waters are closed for swimmers.

“Beachgoers and surfers should be very cautious along Walton, Gulf and Bay County coasts this weekend,” State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “It is important to follow the advice of local officials and avoid entering the water where warnings are posted.”

A rip current is a powerful current of water running perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. Rip currents can extend outwards up to one-half mile and move at speeds of more than 5 miles per hour. They are dangerous because they can pull unprepared swimmers away from shore and into deeper waters.

Rip currents are responsible for about 150 deaths every year in the United States. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents.

Beachgoers should take the following precautionary and preparedness actions:

Swim at guarded beaches and heed to the advice of beach patrol.

If caught in the seaward pull of a rip current do not attempt to move directly toward shore. Instead move sideways across the rip currents until the pull eases.

If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.

Throw the rip current victim something that floats: a lifejacket, a cooler or inflatable ball.

Yell instructions on how to escape.

Never go into the water alone, and if you aren’t a strong swimmer, stick to shallow waters (though shallow waters can also be dangerous for weak swimmers).

Only swim in areas with a lifeguard or strong swimmers on the beach who can keep a safe eye on you.

Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. For the latest weekly situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/.