The National Weather Service put out an urgent warning about dangerous rip currents on March 18. The warning covers a long stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, from Tampa Bay down to Bonita Beach, including Fort Myers Beach.
Heavy onshore winds push Gulf waters up against the beach. This built-up water cuts through sandbars, making fast-moving channels that pull back to sea.
If caught in a rip current, experts say not to fight against it — try to relax and float…