The National Weather Service warned Saturday evening of a high risk of life-threatening rip currents along north-facing beaches of Puerto Rico through Monday afternoon, November 9.
The San Juan office’s 8:39 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time statements identify beaches around Aguada and Rincón, as well as Culebra. The notices concern dangerous swimming conditions; they do not report a confirmed drowning or rescue.
Forecasters said a north to northeast swell would build seas to between 3 and 5 feet across Atlantic waters through Sunday. The swell is expected to increase rip-current risk at exposed beaches along Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coastline.
Rip currents can carry swimmers away from shore into deeper water and can endanger even strong swimmers, the agency warned. Beachgoers should follow lifeguards’ advice, beach-patrol flags and posted signs.
The weather service advises anyone caught in a current to call for help, remain calm and stay afloat. If able to swim out, move parallel to shore before returning toward the beach, rather than swimming directly against the current.
Sources: National Weather Service San Juan — November 7, 8:39 p.m. AST rip-current statements.