CLEARWATER, Fla. — High surf and powerful rip currents whipped up by Hurricane Isaias have created hazardous conditions along Clearwater Beach, prompting local public safety crews to warn visitors away from the water.
According to the Clearwater Police Department, emergency crews have moved lifeguard towers farther up the sand to protect them from encroaching tides. Fire department beach lifeguards have shifted to patrolling directly along the water’s edge on foot and from vehicles.
Lifeguards strongly discourage swimming, noting that ocean conditions are expected to deteriorate further throughout the day…