Know before you go: rip current awareness week

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Rip currents are the leading cause of weather-related fatalities along the Florida Panhandle Gulf Coast. In 2023, there were 68 rip current-related fatalities in the United States. More than a dozen of those drownings happened at our beaches.

This week, the National Weather Service forecast offices in Tallahassee, FL and Mobile, AL are observing rip current awareness week. According to the National Weather Service Tallahassee webpage, the initiative aims to educate the public on the dangers of rip currents and prevent related deaths. From February 26th through March 1st, we will be discussing a different rip current-related topic to ensure your beach trips this summer are both enjoyable, and safe.

February 26th - All About Rip Currents

A rip current is a powerful channel of water that moves away from the shore. Rip currents are common across Northwest Florida beaches year round, even on clear, sunny days. In the Panhandle, rip currents often develop around breaks in the sandbars. They are most intense near inlets, jetties, and piers.

Rip currents are different from rip tides - which are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Rip currents are caused by winds and waves moving towards the coastline. They will not pull you under the water, but rip currents can easily pull you away from the beach at speeds in excess of 5 miles-per-hour. That’s why even the strongest swimmers can be swept away.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not panic or try to swim directly back to shore. Swim parallel to the coastline until you escape the current, and then make your way back to the beach. If you can’t escape, simply float or tread water while making yourself visible to those on the beach by yelling and/or waving for assistance.

Always swim near a lifeguard, if at all possible.

Monday, February 26th is Day 1 of Rip Current Awareness Week.(NWS Tallahassee)

February 27th - Spot a Rip Current

There are several clues that could help you spot areas in the surf zone where rip currents are present. Rip currents are often in places where the waves aren’t breaking. Flat water found between breaking waves is likely a current of water moving away from the beach and out into the Gulf. In a rip current, the water color can also be darker than surrounding areas with very little foam from waves. You can also look for things like seaweed or foam moving away from the shoreline.

Another sign of potential rip currents are concave shapes in the coastline. If you look down the beach, you’ll likely spot several areas where the shoreline forms a curved shape like the letter “C.” At the center of these “C” shapes, it’s possible you’ll find a current moving out into the Gulf. Check out the countless concavities in the coastline in the image below.

You can often identify rip currents in areas where the water is dark and flat compared to the... — You can often identify rip currents in areas where the water is dark and flat compared to the surrounding surf.(NWS Tallahassee)

February 28th - Survive A Rip Current

Rip currents can be present on days with even the best beach weather. Even on days with calm surf and light winds, distant storms or hurricanes can cause rip currents. That’s why beach safety staff use beach flags to indicate the rip current risk for swimmers. Here are a few tips from the National Weather Service in Tallahassee to stay safe BEFORE you enter the water.

Always check the local beach forecast before your toes hit the sand.
Look for the beach warning signs and or beach flags (often located on or near the lifeguard stand).
If you are unsure about the water conditions, ask a lifeguard.
Always swim near lifeguards and know how to swim before you venture in.
Not all beaches have lifeguards, so be extra careful on unguarded beaches.
When you go in the water at an unguarded beach, always bring flotation.
When in doubt, DON’T GO OUT - Avoid swimming if there is any question as to whether there is a rip current.

Even with a cautious approach, there’s always a small chance of getting caught in a rip current along our sandy shores. Make sure you know what to do if you end up caught in a rip current.

STAY CALM. WAVE. YELL. FLOAT.
DON’T PANIC - Staying calm may save your life.
Good swimmer? Swim parallel to the beach until you clear the pull of the rip current.
Not a skilled swimmer? Relax and flip on your back to float (floating conserves your energy)
Always wave and yell to get the attention of the lifeguards.
REMEMBER - Don’t fight the rip current. Instead, swim left or right.
Do NOT swim next to jetties.
Swimming in a pool is not the same as swimming at a beach with crashing waves, winds, and dangerous rip currents.
Swim with a buddy!
Swim near a lifeguard. The chance of drowning at a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million!

If you happen to see someone in trouble, don’t go in after them. Instead, call for help from either Beach Safety or call 911 if a lifeguard is not available.