We have had some very sad tragedies lately and I thought it would be good for everyone to have a little knowledge on rip currents. As we all already know the ocean is an unpredictable and incredible force. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.
Rip Current information taken from NOAA:
Look for differences in the water-color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions. Look for these clues as one, all or none may be visible:
- Channel of churning, choppy water
- Line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward
- Area having a notable difference in water-color
- Break in the incoming wave pattern
They have a lot of images on their site and more detailed information here
How to Escape a Rip Current:
If caught in a rip current…
- Remain calm. You will not be pulled under the surface of the water.
- Only swim parallel to the shore to escape the current. As soon as you are out of the current, only then swim toward the beach.
- Another option is to just float. Eventually you will reach the end of the current. Then …
- Swim parallel to the shore to get out of the path of the rip current and once you do so, only then swim toward the beach
If you see someone in trouble…
- Throw the rip current victim something that floats–a lifevest, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
- Get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, call 9-1-1.
- Yell instructions on how to escape the rip current. Tell them which way to swim.
Good Morning Gloucester 
thank you so much for this critical information!
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