Staying Safe in the Water

Yesterday’s violent weather should serve as a potent reminder that volatile weather can alter wave conditions at the beach. That’s especially true during hurricane season. Though riptides can be present at any time, stormy weather can increase the likelihood of potentially deadly currents and conditions.

 With Riptide Awareness Week kicking off  Jun, 5, 2011, Pinellas Beaches Patch wanted to offer information to keep you safe and informed.

 Riptides are often defined by red warning flags on beaches. Experts caution you should heed those warnings, no matter how tempting the surf may look.

 Rip currents are defined as a strong current of water moving away from the shoreline. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Yet they may even occur on lakes with breaking waves. Typically, they form at breaks in sandbars and also near jetties and piers.

 As waves travel from deeper to more shallow water, they break near the surface. When they break strongly, they create a fast moving and churning column, called a rip current.

Rip current speeds are usually clocked at about one to two feet per second. However, speeds as high as eight feet per second, have been recorded. That speed would be challenging for a professional athlete, .

  The United States Lifesaving Association ‘s website says there are about 100 deaths associated with riptide in this country annually.  Additionally, swimmers caught in rip tides also account for more than 80 percent of lifeguard-assisted rescues.

 According to Chase Kosterlitz, owner of the Water Monkey shop on St. Pete Beach, “it’s often hard to see rip tides when you’re in the water”.  

 A veteran surfer  and water monkey himself, Kosterlitz is also the Florida State Standing Paddleboard Champion. He advocates learning to swim if you don’t know how, and strengthening skills you may already have.

 “Know your limits and always exercise caution when the wind and waves are up," Kosterlitz said.

 That's sage advice.

According to the Madeira Beach Fire Department, telltale signs may alert you to evidence of rip tides:

• a channel or column of rapidly churning, choppy water
• a noticeable difference in water color
• a line of foam, or debris moving steadily
• a break in the pattern of incoming waves

On the other hand, if you are already in the water, you may not notice a rip tide until you are caught in one. If you’re swimming and not making progress, you’re probably caught in a rip current.

Experts advise swimming parallel to the shoreline, until you are beyond the reach of the current. Then try swimming for shore. Remaining calm is the key to conserving energy. It may be helpful to tread water or try floating, while using your arms to signal for help.

You should also follow these guidelines:

• Never swim alone - have a buddy at all times
• Do not swim in depths beyond your level of expertise
• Always avoid swimming when there is no lifeguard on duty

• Follow all posted instructions and orders from lifeguards
• Stow a life jacket with your beach gear

In Pinellas County, lifeguards may be off duty before the sun sets. If you are unsure of the conditions, do not have a buddy, or feel even slightly intimidated by water conditions, remain on shore.

Finally, if you see another swimmer in trouble, get help from a lifeguard and call  9-1-1 . Throw the victim a life jacket or floatation device.

 While stormy weather can lead to exciting wave actions,  experts urge caution and ask that you need the warnings.

“Just because you see other people in the water, does not mean it will be safe for you,” Kosterlitz said.

 Resources:

 Safety Tips: http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/tips.shtml

Rip Current Animation:  http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/multimedia/animation07.mov

Real Rip Current stories: http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/real_life.shtml