Rip Current — Coastal Lee, Florida

2019-07-09 · Coastal Lee, Florida

Event narrative

Father rescued his 8-year-old daughter who was pulled offshore by a rip/tidal current. It is likely that a gust front from offshore storms briefly increased onshore winds and waves leading to the rip current. Also, the tide was going out of Redfish Pass so there may have been a tidal influence as well.

Wider weather episode

There was a low risk of rip currents this day. However, it is possible a gust front from offshore storms increased onshore winds and waves (after looking at a picture near the time of fatality).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 832228. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.