Preparedness Guide Know before you go: Rip currents and ocean-related hazards

By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of rapidly moving water that can pose a threat to swimmers in coastal ocean waters. These formidable currents can move at speeds up to eight feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer! Beach goers should be mindful of the risks rip currents pose any day of the year, not just when a large storm is on the horizon.

David Elder, Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue supervisor, shared that it is best to stay out of the ocean during a large storm or hurricane. Extended periods of wind cause waves to grow in height, thus creating tide concerns. Hurricanes can cause sea level to rise by one to several feet, increasing ocean depth and allowing for deeper currents, which are life-threatening. In the event of a storm, it is best to ensure safety by staying away from and out of the ocean. On any given day, those opting to go in the water should consult a local resource, such as a lifeguard, to determine whether or not it is safe to enter the ocean. “All of our lifeguards are well versed in how to spot rip currents and give you locative information for any area of the beach,” Elder said.

To avoid rip currents, swimmers should go to an area where there are active, breaking waves on a sandbar, and be sure to enter the water as a group. Know your own limitations and make sure to partake in activities that accommodate the least strong swimmer in the group. Also, be sure to swim with a flotation device in the event that you are at risk of being caught in a rip current.

If you are caught in a rip current, Elder advises that you should wait for help and not try to fight the current. “Try to get the attention of people on shore, especially a lifeguard.” Rip current victims should swim parallel to shore, towards a breaking wave where the water will be shallower.

Chad Motz, Nags Head Ocean Rescue captain, added that if the victim has a floatation device, they should maintain that device as a rip current will not pull a person under the water but rather away from a sandbar. “Getting someone floatation is key,” Motz emphasized while advising that untrained bystanders should not attempt to rescue the victim. Get help immediately by finding a lifeguard and/ or calling 911 if someone is in trouble in the water.

It is crucial that in the event of an emergency, beachgoers know their location. Those visiting one of the OBX beaches this summer should be sure to note the address of the property you are staying in and what milepost you are located. Be mindful of which beach access you are visiting and be sure to give the dispatcher as much and as detailed information as you can so emergency services can come quickly and effectively.

Several Dare County agencies have come together to raise awareness of ocean hazards, developing the “Love The

Beach, Respect The Ocean” campaign. Drew Pearson, Dare County Emergency Management director, voiced “We have a pressing need to try and reduce the number of lives lost to the ocean.” The campaign was started in an effort to educate beach goers about ocean conditions and hazards, while striving to combat ocean-related tragedies.

At www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean. com, visitors can monitor current beach conditions to make an educated decision on whether or not a beach trip is the right choice for any given day. There are several videos on the website designed to help users learn more about beach hazards and see where lifeguard stations in Dare County are located. Everyone visiting a beach on the Outer Banks is encouraged to sign up for beach condition alerts by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295. If you show your text response at a local Duck Donuts, you will receive a free donut after sign up!

Pearson shared that the county’s effort to mitigate ocean-related tragedies is ongoing, and this campaign is a starting point. Thankfully, he was happy to note that the county has seen a reduction in people who have lost their lives to an ocean-related tragedy, such as drowning in a rip current or shore break since the campaign was launched. “We are hoping that this trend will continue going forward, and we plan to continue to share information about beach conditions with our community and everyone who visits.”