WFO Miami's Jim Lushine Honored for
Contributions to Beach Safety

Miami WCM Jim Lushine addresses Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs' Association at awards ceremony as FBPCA President Bob Maler looks on.

WFO Miami's Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jim Lushine has been honored for his many years of pioneering work in understanding and educating the public to the deadly nature of rip currents. Often referred to as "Mr. Rip Current", Lushine was presented with a career appreciation award by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs' Association (FBPCA).

The award included the inscription, "in recognition for your many years of outstanding contributions to beach safety". It was presented by Bob Maler, president of the FBPCA.

Lushine first noticed the link between drowning deaths, rip currents and the weather conditions favorable for the development of rip currents -- back in 1988. He authored his first paper on the subject which appeared in the National Weather Association Digest in 1991. The rip current program he developed in Florida has since become a nationwide National Weather Service effort.