 Powerful surf affected the northern coastlines of the islands in the Greater Antilles . Strong swells also lashed the Bahamas . During most hurricanes , the location of the Bahamas prevents powerful swells of Atlantic hurricanes from striking southeast Florida . However , the combination of the location , forward speed , and strength of Isabel produced strong swells through the Providence Channel onto a narrow 10 mile ( 16 km ) stretch of the southeastern Florida coastline ; wave heights peaked at 14 feet ( 4 @.@ 3 m ) at Delray Beach . The swells capsized a watercraft and injured its two passengers at Boynton Beach , and a swimmer required assistance to be rescued near Juno Beach . Minor beach erosion was reported in Palm Beach County . In the northern portion of the state , waves reached up to 15 feet ( 4 @.@ 5 m ) in height at Flagler Beach , causing the Flagler Beach Pier to be closed due to damaged boards from the waves . Rip currents from Isabel killed a surfer at an unguarded beach in Nassau County , with an additional six people requiring rescue from the currents . The beaches were later closed during the worst of the rough surf . 
