Be aware of deadly rip currents

CLEARWATER - To the naked eye, the water and the surf are beautiful -- trademarks for the Sunshine State. But below the surface lies a danger that's not so obvious.

"Don't ever try to swim against the current, it's not advised", says Donovan Burns, when talking about the dangers of a rip current.

This is the current caused by a wave pushing back out to sea. Burns is the chief lifeguard on Clearwater Beach, where rip currents aren't so bad. But other Bay Area beaches can have a real problem.

Recently, two people died on Anna Maria Island due to strong rip currents. Experts say the main thing to remember if you are caught in one is not to fight it.

"Do not fight the current, let the current take you until it weakens," Burns explains.

Swim parallel to the shoreline, then at an angle to escape the current.

Rip currents have killed more than 40 people in Florida since 2008, and they account for 80 percent of beach rescues.

But how will you know if the rip current is even there?

Between there different flags lifeguards will use, Burns explains which one to look out for.

"It's very likely when you see a red flag, there's rip currents -- it's a given," he says.

And with hurricane season, rip currents can develop on any beach.

FOX 13's chief meteorologist Paul Dellegatto has forecast some of the worst hurricanes on record.

"It can miss us by 300, 400 miles, but some of the winds blowing out from the tropical systems, the winds, the wave action caused by the departing tropical storm, or tropical storm or hurricane, can cause rip currents," he said.

And we've all seen those thrill seekers who take on the waves caused by tropical storms. For everyone else, know what to do if you get caught in the current, and most importantly, know when the danger is out there.

Burns stresses that people pay attention when at the beach.

"We hope each and every person that comes to the beach looks up to every lifeguard tower, and is aware of the conditions for the day, we sure hope so," he says.

If you ever see someone caught in a rip current, get a lifeguard, or call 911 if no lifeguard is around. Many people die trying to save others in this situation. It is also advised to swim at beaches where lifeguards are present.