The accumulation of sargassum and rip currents affect the beaches of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, in southern Florida, during the Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest dates for tourists in the United States.
US authorities issued warnings about dangerous conditions in several coastal areas, where thousands of people usually visit the beaches during the holiday.
The United States National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the alert for high risk of rip currents remains in effect in Miami-Dade and Broward until Saturday night.
According to the official bulletin, currents can drag even experienced swimmers out to sea.
“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” the NWS warned.
The institution recommended that visitors swim only in areas monitored by lifeguards and pay attention to warning signs posted on the beaches, especially red flags.
In addition to the maritime risk, large amounts of sargassum cover sectors of Miami Beach and make access to the sea difficult, altering the usual recreational conditions on the coast.
According to official reports, the phenomenon began to be observed on May 22, coinciding with one of the periods of greatest tourist movement in Florida.
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate that sea temperatures in the region are above average, a situation that favors the proliferation of sargassum and the formation of dangerous currents.
Specialists attribute the increase in these seaweeds to the combination of warm waters and high levels of nutrients in the ocean.
Authorities continue to monitor maritime conditions and recommend caution to those who visit South Florida beaches during the long weekend.
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