Brevard County officials have issued a safety alert for beachgoers ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend, emphasizing the need for caution as water temperatures rise and coastal activity increases. The warning comes as part of ongoing efforts to prevent accidents during peak summer visitation periods. County spokesperson Lisa Martinez said lifeguards will be on high alert at all public beaches from Friday through Monday, with particular attention to areas near jetties and piers where rip currents are historically strong. "We’re seeing more swimmers than usual this early in the season," Martinez said. "Even if the water feels calm, the ocean can change rapidly." The alert follows a series of incidents reported along the Space Coast this month, including a near-drowning incident at Cocoa Beach and a surfer requiring rescue near Sebastian Inlet. Local hospitals have also noted an uptick in heat-related illnesses among outdoor workers, prompting health department staff to distribute cooling kits to construction sites and farms. Meanwhile, the county’s mock hurricane drill earlier this week highlighted vulnerabilities in emergency response protocols, though officials said the exercise did not directly influence the beach warning. Residents are being encouraged to check daily tide reports and avoid swimming during sunrise and sunset hours when visibility is lowest. The county will host a public safety seminar at the Brevard Public Works building on Thursday, focusing on water safety and first aid for beachgoers. No specific fines or restrictions are being imposed, but officials stressed that ignoring warnings could lead to citations for endangering others. With temperatures expected to reach 92 degrees by midweek, the message is clear: preparedness is key. "You don’t need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the beach," Martinez said. "Just know your limits and stay within the flags."