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The Best Angle

Understanding how a rip current works can help you or a loved one escape this deadly force of water.

Figure A
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
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 back to sea.

Figure C
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.
 

Just Read, Florida!

 

Rip Currents
by Jim Lushine
Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Miami Weather Forecast Office

RipRip 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.

 
 
Rip Current Safety Actions
bulleted item Learn how to swim and know your ability to swim in ocean waters and strong currents.
bulleted item If possible, always swim at beaches staffed by lifeguards or beach patrols and heed their advice.
bulleted item 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.
bulleted item Do not overestimate your swimming ability or take chances.
bulleted item 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.
 
 

Masters of Disaster
A disaster safety curriculum for use by teachers of children,
grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.

TEACHERS: Refer to the lesson plans & activities on lightning in your school's Masters of Disaster curriculum kit.

For more information visit their Web site.