red flag

[lerxst]

rip

On july 4th some friends and I (visitors from out of state) were enjoying a day at the beach. We were just to the east of one seagrove place. I had been in the water a few times to cool off and noticed that the last time I was in, a rip had developed right where we were entering the water. It was clearly visible but not very long in duration nor was it in deep water, but it was very strong. A lifeguard who was patrolling the beach on a 4 wheeler stopped by our set-ups and just looked out into the water for a while and then started talking to people and eventually went in and informed them that they were wading in a rip current.
rip currents can often be spotted if you know what to look for. Look for areas of turbulent/choppy water between waves which looks different than the normal pattern and places where small waves converge and cross paths at angles.
be safe and
enjoy the water.

 

[jodiFL]

there is alot of info at THIS SITE. . example of how deceiving they can be......

alot of people make the mistake of going into the water right where that calm spot is..... can be a fatal mistake.

 

[Smiling JOe]

You are right that rip currents can be very deceiving, appearing to be calmer water than the waves coming in next to them. "Know, before you go."

 

[enfuego]

You are right that rip currents can be very deceiving, appearing to be calmer water than the waves coming in next to them. "Know, before you go."

Good call, and for the record these Rips are currents and not tides.

 

[Gidget]

Btw, plan for alternatives. I guess making sand castles on red flag days, running in and out of the oncoming waves up on the shore, trying not to let them 'get you'. Walking trails, shopping, surfing, throwing frisbee. I'm sure you'll find ways to smile and enjoy yourself.

Great attitude! Gotta make the most of it.

Kinda hard it you are only going to be around for a few days though - I would get bummed when water conditions weren't IDEAL when I came on vacation. But, we did as you just mentioned - made the best of it!

G

 

[Gidget]

there is alot of info at THIS SITE. . example of how deceiving they can be......

alot of people make the mistake of going into the water right where that calm spot is..... can be a fatal mistake.

Thanks so much for the info! I am learning a lot! I love to swim in the gulf and knock on wood, haven't gotten in a rip current yet, but I almost wish I could "on purpose" (small one with supervision) just to try out my skills at swimming parallel, etc... and to keep my head.

G

 

[scooterbug44]

Thanks to the outfalls/coastal dune lakes/state parks, there is no reason to not be able to still "go in some water" when it's a red flag day.

NO reason to risk your life in the gulf when with just a little extra effort you can still be safely kayaking, swimming, playing in salty water etc. w/ an ocean view.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Thanks so much for the info! I am learning a lot! I love to swim in the gulf and knock on wood, haven't gotten in a rip current yet, but I almost wish I could "on purpose" (small one with supervision) just to try out my skills at swimming parallel, etc... and to keep my head.

G

wear a lifejacket if you are going to try it. we don't need to be reading about you in the papers. Often, the one who drowns is the person or people who go in to the water to try and rescue someone in distress. It would be terrible if that happened while you were "testing your skills."

 

[Matt J]

We usually get rougher water during full moons. As it fades it should be a little calmer.