A steady east wind and the big tides of early November are pushing strong currents through the channels of the outer keys this week. Over the weekend, deputies of the Sheriff’s Marine Unit and the U.S. Coast Guard brought eleven swimmers, snorkelers and paddleboarders back to shore. All of them are safe.
The water of the Keys is clear, warm and only a short swim from the reef, which makes it easy to forget how fast it moves. Between two islands, the tide runs under the bridges like a river, and it can carry a swimmer or a paddleboard past the reef in a few minutes.
Before you get in
- Check the beach flags and today’s conditions before you go: a red flag means stay out of the water
- Swim near a lifeguard, and never alone
- Do not swim or snorkel in the channels under the bridges, where the tide runs fastest
- On a snorkel or dive trip, fly the dive flag and stay within sight of the boat
- Caught in a current? Do not fight it: swim parallel to the shore, or float and wave for help
The water is the reason people come to the Keys, and it is the reason we go out every weekend. Look at the flag, stay out of the channels, and if you get in trouble, float and wave. We will come to you.
Hurricane season ends on November 30, but the cold fronts of winter bring the same strong winds until spring. In an emergency on the water, call 911 or hail the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.
