Clearwater Beach lifeguards have rescued 35 swimmers over the past three weeks, with the worst day seeing 12 people pulled back to shore in a single shift. Beach lifeguard manager Patrick Brafford with Clearwater Fire Rescue says a combination of onshore winds and a king tide, which pushed water levels nearly three feet above normal…created a fast current roughly 80 feet from shore as the tide receded, dragging swimmers seaward. "That's when we started having a majority of rescues back to back to back," he said. He credits the changing sea floor near Pier 60, shaped by years of hurricanes and cold fronts, with making the area more prone to rip currents under the right conditions. Remarkably, nobody drowned. Brafford called it "very fortunate," noting that most danger comes when swimmers go in far from lifeguards or after lifeguards have left for the day. "If it was after hours, it would have been a real mess out here," he said. "That's a perfect example of the absolute necessity to have lifeguards on these beaches."

The Stakes are Real

In April, Ryan Jennings, 46, a father visiting South Florida from Maine, drowned saving all three of his children from a rip current off Juno Beach. "He was a great guy. He died saving his children," his father-in-law, Steve Woods, said. Jennings managed to get his kids to safety, but the same current that endangered them took him. It's a sobering example of how even capable, strong adults can be overpowered by a rip current, and why lifeguards consistently urge people not to attempt a rescue alone.

How to Spot a Riptide

Before you ever get in the water, it's worth knowing what a rip current actually looks like, because it's often hiding in plain sight. Look for a flat, calm gap in an otherwise breaking wave pattern, a channel of water that's noticeably darker or murkier than what's around it, or a steady line of foam, seaweed or sediment moving out to sea. Rip currents also tend to form consistently near permanent structures like piers, jetties and groins. So be especially alert swimming close to Pier 60.

What to Do

If you spot someone struggling in the water, resist the instinct to swim out yourself. Yell for help and send someone to the lifeguard tower immediately, or have them call 911 if no lifeguard is present. Throw a flotation device if one's available rather than going in.

If you're the one caught in a rip current, the most important rule is don't panic and don't fight it — flip onto your back, float, and let the current carry you outward until it naturally weakens, then swim parallel to the shoreline until you're clear of it before angling back toward the beach.

Flag Colors

Before you step in the water, check the flag colors at the lifeguard tower: double red means closed, single red means high hazard, yellow means moderate risk, green means low risk. Clearwater lifeguards are on duty 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm. Never swim alone, and never swim outside those hours.

Clearwater Police shared just after 10:15am Thursday that construction crews struck a gas line, forcing the closure of Drew Street between Keene Road and Corona Avenue. Northbound traffic on Keene Road is also being affected as crews work the scene. Since Drew Street is a key route toward Clearwater Beach, drivers heading that direction should expect delays or plan an alternate path — police are asking everyone to avoid the immediate area until repairs are complete.

Latest updates from Clearwater Police → Here

If you've been waiting for the Gulf to warm up the wait is over. Clearwater Beach water temperatures have reached 81 degrees. Warm, clear, and perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just wading in. Historically Gulf temperatures peak around 85-86 degrees in late summer so we're already well into comfortable swimming territory ahead of schedule.

Check current water temperatures and conditions Here

Watch the live Clearwater Beach Cam Here

Our pets aren't just animals — they're family. If you've seen any of the pets below please email us at [email protected] and we will connect you directly with their families. One share could bring someone's baby home.

Zena has been missing for over 112 days from the Seville Condo area near Clearwater Costco. Her heartbroken family will not give up searching

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Leah has been missing since April 28th from the King Arthur Court in Dunedin. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

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Lobo has been missing since May 11th from Gladden Park in St. Petersburg. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

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River is a one-year-old male tabby (brown, white, and gray) who slipped out the front door on May 30th, and last seen near 134th Ave and Trotter Rd in Largo.

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Mama Kitty is a 15 year old black cat with with a clipped left ear that went missing on June 4th, and last seen near Druid and Belcher in Clearwater.

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🤠🎸 Crossfire Creek - OCC Roadhouse Clearwater Free Friday, 6:00pm 10575 49th Street North, Clearwater INFO →

🤠 🎸 Travis Tritt at Ruth Eckerd Hall Doors open at 5:30 pm and Starts at 7:00 pm. TICKETS & INFO →

🎸 TL Jentgens Friday June 25th - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🐾 Pet Dog & Wiener Dog Derby - OCC Roadhouse Clearwater - FREE - Saturday, 11:00am 10575 49th Street North, Clearwater INFO →

🎸 Primal Crue - Tribute to Motley Crue - OCC Roadhouse Clearwater Saturday, 6:00pm 10575 49th Street North, Clearwater INFO & TICKETS→

🎤 😂 Clearwater Comedy Club - Kevin Deane - Friday & Saturday 8:30 pm 483 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater INFO & TICKETS→

🎸 Woman of Rock Saturday June 26th - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO →

🚶‍♀️ SilverSneakers: Boom Class Friday June 26th at 8:00 am or 9:00 am - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map LEARN MORE → 

⛵ Clearwater Community Sailing Center A nonprofit sailing center at 1001 Gulf Blvd offering boat rentals, sailing lessons for all ages, and Summer Camp. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 5pm. LEARN MORE →

🏓 Pickleball Court Locations: Here is the easiest way to find Pickleball courts near you with an interactive map. LEARN MORE →

🏖️ Near the Beach

🏙️ Inland

⚠️ Trivia nights and schedules can change. We recommend confirming directly with the venue before heading out. Know of a change or a new spot? Tell Scout →

Thanks for reading My Clearwater Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone that you think would be interested.

Until next time,

Stan, Scoop and Scout