Total number of rip current-related drownings along the East Central Florida beaches during the period January 1989 - September 1997 showing an average of 4-5 per year. Data was compiled from newspaper clippings and Medical Examiners reports. Maximum in April corresponds to combination of favorable surf temperatures, winds and number of people in the water. Slight increase in September and October likely due to combination of swells from Atlantic tropical cyclones and tightening of northeast gradient flow behind weak frontal systems. Note that no rip current related drownings have been reported from November through February. This is most likely attributed to cool surf temperatures which reduce the number of people venturing into the water.