NOUS42 KMLB 031508 PNSMLB FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347- 447-547-647-747-040315- Public Information Statement National Weather Service Melbourne FL 1008 AM EST Tue Feb 3 2026 ...Tuesday February 3 Is Marine Hazards And Rip Current Awareness Day... Since 1989, rip currents and rough surf have claimed nearly 190 lives along east central Florida beaches, making rip currents the deadliest weather-related hazard in Florida—causing more fatalities than hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning combined. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shore and can quickly pull swimmers beyond the sandbar into deeper water. Even strong swimmers can become exhausted if they try to fight the current. National Weather Service data shows that nearly 90 percent of rip current victims are tourists or inland residents, and over 90 percent are male. Before entering the water, beachgoers should check conditions with beach safety officials, swim near a lifeguard, and never swim alone. If caught in a rip current, remain calm and don’t fight the current. Rip currents rarely pull swimmers far from shore. Relax, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline until free of the current. If you cannot escape, wave your arms and call for help. East central Florida averages around five boating fatalities each year, with one to two deaths typically weather-related. The most common weather-related boating accidents occur when strong winds flow out ahead of approaching thunderstorms, quickly creating hazardous conditions on the water. Gusty northerly winds behind cold fronts, especially during the winter and spring months, also contribute to occasional boating accidents. Boaters should check the daily marine forecast and the Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook, which highlights the risk of strong to severe thunderstorms, and potentially dangerous wind and wave conditions. While on the water, boaters should remain weather- aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings, including a NOAA Weather Radio or mobile alerts, and closely monitor changing conditions. The National Weather Service Melbourne Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook page is available at https://weather.gov/mlb/ghwo. $$