Dangerous rip currents could last through Labor Day weekend

Dangerous water conditions continue to threaten beaches throughout Florida’s east coast as Hurricane Earl churns less than 400 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean.

Waves could reach up to 12 feet high in certain spots along the Central Florida coast Thursday.

Since Saturday, Brevard County lifeguards have had to make almost 120 rescues, including seven on Wednesday alone.

A high surf advisory remains in effect, and the threat of dangerous rip currents is expected to continue into the busy Labor Day weekend.

Despite the rough surf, the weekend is expected to be especially busy, with the 25th annual National Kidney Foundation Surf Festival in Cocoa Beach.

Still, as the rip current threat remains, officials advised all swimmers and surfers to stay near a lifeguard tower.

But with double red flags flying along all along Brevard County’s coastline, lifeguards said the safest place on the beach is out of the water entirely.

Officials Thursday said they highly encouraged people to not go farther than knee-deep in the water, as even going in waist deep could get swimmers into trouble.

Brevard County lifeguard tower locations

Cape Canaveral:

• Cheri Down Park
• Tyler Avenue

Cocoa Beach:

• Cocoa Beach Pier (2 towers, north and south sides)
• Fischer Park
• Lori Wilson Park (3)
• Minute Man Causeway (2)
• Murkshe Park, 16th Street
• Sheppard Park (3)

Indialantic:

• Nance Park - Boardwalk (3)
• Paradise - Futch Park (2)

Melbourne Beach

• Ocean Avenue
• Spessard Holland Park, North (2)
• Spessard Holland Park, South

Satellite Beach:

• Pelican Park (3)