“Even knee-deep is too far.” Lifeguards issue red flag warning for Jacksonville beaches

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE 5/23: Dangerous water conditions continue through Sunday. Beachgoers are warned against any water activities.

RED FLAG WARNING - HIGH HAZARD / DANGEROUS OCEAN CONDITIONS. Stay out of the water. For emergencies, call 911.
— JaxReady (@JaxReady) May 23, 2021

Earlier this morning lifeguards working along Jacksonville beaches issued a red flag due to dangerous rip currents.

Action News Jax just received an update from Jacksonville Beach Lt. Maxwell Ervanian who said the conditions have not improved; in fact, beachgoers are being asked to stay out of the water entirely through the weekend.

Ervanian said lifeguards have received about 50 calls of service Saturday, which he says is highly unusual for a non-holiday.

Despite the warm, sunny weather anticipated Sunday, lifeguards want visitors to stay out of the water. Completely.

“Even knee-deep is too far,” said Ervanian.

⚠️🌊 High Risk of Rip Currents is still in effect for NE FL beaches. Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, wave your arms and call for help. Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from the shore. Stay safe in the surf!#flwx #jaxwx pic.twitter.com/Tun8aYARTQ
— NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) May 22, 2021

‼️ LIFEGUARDS HAVE BEEN BUSY

⚠️ STAY OUT OF THE WATER UNTIL CONDITIONS IMPROVE!

⚠️ IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, FLAG DOWN A LIFEGUARD OR CALL 911!
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.#oceanrescue #jaxbeach #beachsafety #jaxbeachlifeguard #jaxbeachlifeguards #beachconditions #oceanconditions #oceansafety https://t.co/h5VMgX4VUs pic.twitter.com/N0CN3WFcJ8
— City of Jacksonville Beach (@COJB_Government) May 22, 2021