Rip Currents Threaten a Coast after a Hurricane
Too Many Swimmers Ignore Lifeguard Warnings and Weather Advisories
Aug 23, 2009
Rip currents are often referred to as rip tides, but the powerful current of water is not a tide at all. Rip currents can be unexpected, catching unaware swimmers off guard. Strong swimmers have drowned trying to break free of a rip current. Often mistaken as an undertow, rip currents sweep victims farther out into the ocean. By contrast, undertow currents draw swimmers downward toward the ocean floor.
After a hurricane has passed and tidal surges slam the shoreline in the aftermath, rip currents are stronger and deadlier than usual. Spectators fascinated by the crashing coastline waves mistakenly go into the water despite warnings from lifeguards. Weather Channel advisories also warn residents and visitors to stay out of the water after a storm, citing the dangers. Rip currents are influenced by the profile of the shoreline, making some beaches more dangerous than others.
How to Break Free of a Rip Current
The website, How Stuff Works, provides information in the article, "How Rip Currents Work" (2009) by author Tom Harris. Harris states, "Rip currents are responsible for about 150 deaths every year in the United States. In Florida, they kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. They are the number-one concern for beach lifeguards: About 80 percent of all beach rescues are related to rip currents."
Most people don't realize that rip currents are powerful enough to knock an adult off balance where he or she stands in shallow water. Know ahead of time what to do in the event one is caught in a rip current:
- Most importantly, don't panic.
- Relax and don't fight the current.
- Swim sideways (parallel) to the beach if possible. It may be necessary to ride the current for a few minutes in order to swim free. Once free, swim to shore.
- If escape is not possible, then float or tread water. Wave for help and yell to attract attention.
Water Safety Tips Save Lives
Water accidents can happen quickly. Poor swimmers often don't realize physical limits or miscalculate the power of the water. Rip tides, for example, can occur suddenly and with no apparent cause. Observe the following water safety tips at the beach or wherever one plans to swim:
- Learn to swim.
- Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty.
- Never swim alone.
- Observe flag warnings that show the current condition of the water.
- Keep children in sight at all times.
- Never dive headfirst into unfamiliar water.
- In the event of a thunderstorm get out of the water immediately and take cover.
- Heed coastal warnings provided by local media stations, NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in the USA, and officials reporting from The Weather Channel where available.
Hurricanes can cause deadly coastline conditions long after the storm has passed. Rip tides can happen at any time, but occur frequently after a storm. Know how to escape a rip tide in case it becomes a matter of survival. The most important step to remember is not to panic.
Water safety tips should always be observed no matter where one plans to swim. Teach children to follow and obey water safety rules, but be sure to keep an eye on kids near the water at all times. The most common reasons for water accidents are lack of knowledge and unfortunately, careless human behavior.
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