Rip current advisory along north Florida coast

Published September 24, 2014 12:47pm ET



JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard is advising beachgoers to be careful in the water off Jacksonville due to a high risk of rip currents.

Officials say the warning will remain in effect through Wednesday night.

The National Weather Service reports four-to-six foot waves are expected in the area, making for dangerous conditions in the surf.

A rip current occurs when a powerful channel of water flows away from shore. People who are caught up in rip currents can be pulled out to sea.

Officials advise anyone caught in a rip current to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until they get away from the force of the rip current.