In our first part of the series, we were talking about the dangers of lightning and how that deadly bolt can cause some major damage. In this installment, we will be talking about riptides or rip currents. Since Florida is surrounded by beaches all throughout the state, us Floridians are used to seeing rip currents, and even have times for different tides throughout the day.
Florida’s sea shores draw in a huge number of inhabitants and also sightseers every year. In any case, while there might be a lovely climate in the sky, there are many risks in the waters. Rip currents happen which can cause unsuspecting guests a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, drownings and other water-related deaths happen during the tide season (or in the spring and fall months). Just like lightning, Florida drives the country in rip current drownings each year. While it is scary to think about the many hazards we have to live with, there is always a way to prevent or avoid many life perils due to a weather phenomenon. Here are a few things to know about rip currents:
· First off, what is a rip current?
Rip currents are narrow, channeled water currents flowing away from the shore at surf beaches.
(Florida Rip Current Information found here)
· Are rip tides and rip currents different?
Yes. According to weather.gov – Rip currents are commonly referred to as rip tides, but it is a major misconception. There are several terms used to identify rip currents such as: undertow and runouts. Different locations use different names, but the National Weather Service, Sea Grant and the USLA are making an effort to create common terminology so that there will be no confusion or underestimation.
· How can you tell what rip currents are or when they happen?
Identifying a rip current is pretty challenging for those who do not frequent the beaches. The clues listed below may not always indicate the presence of rip currents, but you should be aware of this surf zone hazard for your safety. The clues are as follows:
- A channel (or channels) of churning, choppy water
- A color change in a particular area. This can be darker blue.
- A line of seaweed, foam or debris moving gradually towards the sea. We sometimes see seaweed on the sand, which tells us the tides are a little choppy, but moving steadily.
- A break in the incoming wave pattern.
· When are rip currents most dangerous?
When wave height and wave period increases during higher surfing conditions, rip currents are more likely to be dangerous. Rip currents can be found on surf beaches everyday at any time.
· Do rip currents pull people under water?
You would think so but actually rip currents pull people AWAY from the shore not under water. It flows horizontally in an offshore direction.
· If you are caught in a rip current, what should you do?
We know this would be a scary situation but don’t panic. Being calm and swimming parallel to the shoreline is the best way to get through a rip current. When out of the current, swim to the shore. If you can’t swim out of the current, float or tread water. Face the shore, wave your hands and yell for help if it is impossible for you to reach the shore. Many quick movements can lead you into more danger as the waves continue to move, regardless of your current status.
· How can you avoid rip currents when on the beach?
- Remember to always be alert and precautious at the beach.
- Learn to swim. Many victims of rip currents are weak or non-swimmers.
- Always have a swimming buddy! Having a friend with you is a plus!
- Learn to swim in the surf; This type of water is not like swimming in a pool or lake, which has very little tide activity.
- Swim near a lifeguard and always look at the flags.
If you are not sure, don’t go in the water.
· How about insurance? Is there anything to protect us from rip currents?
We are sure there is homeowners’ insurance for coastal homes when it comes to tide strength and height. Individual health insurance should be able to protect you in the event of being taken to a hospital from water-related, and life threatening events.
Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf drifts additionally draw in a lot of boaters year round and Florida drives the country with almost 1,000,000 enrolled boats. Prior to branching out on the water, boaters must mind the climate. What might appear to be a serene beginning to the day can rapidly turn savage with risks like serious rainstorms, solid breezes, difficult situations, lightning and waterspouts. Being in Florida’s boating capital, we have more exposure to rip currents and weather conditions which make boating better or worse.
Wow, this was a lot to get through!
With all that information about rip currents, we hope you are able to have a fun and safe trip to the beach. Since the sunshine state is always filled with sunshine, we hope you can train your eye as your casual beach goings turn into frequent beaching habits!
Always remember that we are here to help answer any questions you may have when it comes to all things insurance and weather! Drop us a line at service@harrisinsurance.com or call us at 850.244.2111
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
