HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Next time you head to Apollo Beach Nature Preserve you will see more signs warning people not to swim after three people drowned last week.
It's an effort Hillsborough County officials hope will save lives.
What You Need To Know
- Hillsborough County officials are posting more 'No Swimming' signs at Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
- Last week two men and a child drowned there
- The preserve will be closed in the meantime while the new signs are posted
- Previous stories:
- Body of Good Samaritan believed found after he was swept away from Apollo Beach
- Bay area nonprofit helps family of Apollo Beach drowning victims
There are already signs posted that say swimming isn't allowed, but officials say many people disregard them.
Last Friday, a Good Samaritan tried to rescue a father and his son who were struggling in the water. Sadly, all three didn't make it.
Our partners at the Tampa Bay Times spoke with an associate marine professor from USF who said while the water at the preserve doesn’t look dangerous, there’s a very strong current that comes through the area when the tide falls and the water rushes back into the bay, creating a “tidal current.”
Hillsborough County also plans to have a staff member on-site for a few weeks to educate people on the dangers of swimming there and to monitor the situation.
In the meantime, the preserve area will be closed while the county posts the new "No Swimming" signs.