Families hitting the road for a beach trip this 4th of July holiday are cautioned to take extra care. The National Weather Service Mobile advising folks who only visit beaches to take heed of warning flags posted at popular swimming areas. Heavy surf, wind and debris brought up by the waves can cause injury, even death.
Rip currents were the most common cause of fatalities along US surf zones in 2016. Making this number even more tragic is the fact that death by rip current is preventable. Arm yourself with information before you hit the water.