by Jim Lushine
Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Miami Weather Forecast Office
Rip
Current Drownings Increase in 2002
After several years of reduced rip current drownings, 2002 reversed that trend
with a disturbing increase in deaths. The beaches of the far western Florida
panhandle and portions of the northeast and southeast coasts had the greatest
losses of life. The upturn in rip current deaths is consistent with an apparent
10-year cycle of Florida rip current drownings. Because of this upward turn,
people need to be extra careful when going to the beach in 2003. The greatest
number of rip current drownings tend to occur from March through August.
A Survivor’s Story
Bill Proenza is the Director of the National Weather Service’s Southern
Region. At the age of 11, Bill was swimming at a beach near Miami when he was
pulled seaward by an unseen force. After calling for help, he was rescued. Later,
he found out that he had been in the clutches of a rip current. Two years after
that incident, Bill was able to save a man who was struggling in a rip current
by pushing him parallel toward the shore, away from the seaward pull. This individual
was certainly lucky to have Bill help, but, unfortunately rip currents, often
called “drowning machines” or “killer currents” still
claim more lives in Florida each year than do hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning
- combined.
Know Before you go
Before packing up the family vehicle and heading to the beach, listen to forecasts
and statements from your local National Weather Service Office through their
24-hour broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio or from local television or radio sources.
The Weather Service will issue statements that advise beach goers of favorable
rip current information.
When you arrive at the beach, take a moment and look for
the nearest lifeguard and check with him or her about existing water conditions.
If you’re visit a beach with no lifeguard on duty, and winds are strong
or the surf is rough, avoid going into the water above your knees. You should
always practice the “buddy” system and never swim alone.
The Best Angle
Understanding how a rip current works can help you or a loved one escape this
deadly force of water. Figure A shows that when waves caused by strong onshore
winds or distant storms move ashore they build up pressure on the sand bar.
Figure B shows that the rip current forms a narrow channel through the sand
bar — usually no more than 20 yards wide — where the water rushes
seaward. Figure C depicts the best escape from the rip current — swimming
parallel along the beach. The good news is that rip currents are often more
narrow than lengthy. Remain calm, and swim your way out of the current.
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Learn how to swim and know your ability to swim in
ocean waters and strong currents. |
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If possible, always swim at beaches staffed by lifeguards
or beach patrols and heed their advice. |
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If caught in a rip current, signal for help in the
direction of the beach patrol. Try to swim parallel to the shore until you
are well out of the current. |
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Do not overestimate your swimming ability or take
chances. |
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Do not get caught in a rip current while trying to
save someone else. Throw them a flotation device and get help from the beach
patrol. |
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