JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — July 4 is expected to be the busiest day of the year in Jacksonville Beach and the risk of rip currents could be moderate, according to News from First Coast Meteorologists.

In the last two weeks, eight people have died in Florida in just four days due to rip currents, the National Weather Service said. Among those killed were the parents of six children and a group of friends on vacation, authorities said.

The rip currents are the main concern for Ariel Stanton and Al Williams, who were at Jacksonville Beach on Wednesday but live closer to the Gulf Coast, where most of the rip current deaths have occurred.

“The waves were really big, so we just relaxed outside on the sand,” Stanton said.

Lt. Maxwell Ervanian of Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue said there are ways to protect yourself.

Beachgoers may have heard to look for the color of the flag at the beach entrance and to swim near a lifeguard. But how often do you check the ocean conditions before you go? You can do that online at the Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue website.

“Ask a lifeguard where the best place to swim is,” Ervanian said.

If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm, call for help and swim parallel to the shore. Do not swim against the current.

For additional safety on the beach, Ervanian recommends bringing plenty of water and appointing someone to look after any children traveling with you.