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June 6, 2005
National rip current awareness week began June 5
The National Weather Service considers rip currents the third deadliest weather-related hazard, ahead of tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes but behind heat waves and floods. Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving channels of water that move away from shore. They are powerful enough to sweep away even the strongest swimmers. At least 18 people have drowned in the Great Lakes in the past few years and experts believe a majority of these deaths probably happened because people panicked when a rip current pulled them from shore. Locally, Michigan Sea Grant, which recently sponsored the second regional rip currents conference, is distributing rip currents brochures, and maintains a Web page devoted to information about rip currents (see www.miseagrant.umich.edu). The Web site focuses on what you can do to swim safely this summer. "We want people to come to the beach informed and have a good time," said Don Scavia, director of Michigan Sea Grant. "Look for warning signs that a rip current might be present, on windy or wavy days and know what rip currents look like." How to recognize a rip current: • A difference in water color. • A break in the incoming wave pattern. • A channel of churning choppy water. • Foam or objects that move steadily offshore. • Rip currents are rarely more than 30 feet wide. Nationally, more than 100 people die annually from rip currents, and the United States Lifesaving Association estimates that 80 percent of all lifeguard rescues result from rip currents. Sea Grant offers these tips to swimmers to break the grip of a rip current: • Don't fight the current. • Swim parallel to shore to get out of the current then head back to shore at an angle. • If you can't escape, float calmly until the current slows. • If you need help, call or wave for assistance. • Swim at a beach protected by a lifeguard. You can also order a free rip current brochure from Michigan Sea Grant by calling (734) 764-1118 or by email at msgpubs@umich.edu. Michigan Sea Grant is part of a network of 30 Sea Grant College Programs in coastal states throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Contact: Don Scavia |
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ANN ARBOR, Mich.—State, regional and national organizations are calling attention to deadly rip currents that can form in the Great Lakes and oceans. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Weather Service, Ocean Service, and National Sea Grant College have designated the week of June 5 as national Rip Current Awareness Week.
