RIPS EarthCache
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Rip Currents - learn their dangers....
RIP CURRENTS – LEARN THEIR DANGERS.
***01/06/08 Added note...I should have explained this in the original listing a little better....
Several cachers have mentioned the signes posting "PRIVATE BEACH" - although this beach property "is" owned by an association, they have now accepted public monies to renourish the beach several times and cannot refuse access to the beach to the public. The association still has the right to post thier signs, but, cannot enforce. This beach has now become used as a "public" access in the area UPDATE: 05/01/2011 GATES HAS BEEN INSTALLED. THERE IS CONTROVESY ABOUT THE NEW GATE. YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO DO THIS EARTH CACHE FROM THE BOARD WALK AND YOU CAN STILL SEE THE FLAG AND WATER.
High surf is among the leading causes of strong water current known as “rip tides”. Rip currents have nothing to do with the tides. Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called "rip tides" or "undertows." These are misnomers. Rip currents are not directly associated with tides and they do not pull people under. The term "Rip Tide" is not correct for referring to this type of current in Florida. The breaking surf washes up on the beach and has to find it's way back to the Gulf. This may cause what is known as a "rip" current, a fast moving stream of water moving from the shore out past the breakers. These are seaward moving currents that circulate water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water on shore creating seaward pressure. Eventually, so much water will pile up that it can break through the first sand bar in a small area. The large amount of water rushing out through a small break causes astrong current that flows perpendicular (away) from the shore and through the rip in the sand bar. This is the “rip current”. The currents will create channels that allow for even more concentrated water flow, causing stronger currents. If when swimming, you feel a rip current, don't panic. Call or wave for assistance and swim parallel to shore (the rip current is very narrow) or if caught by one, you can let it carry you out beyond the first sand bar where the breakers are forming and it will release you as it spreads out and disappears. To stay safe from these “currents, follow the flag system, most public beach areas have this flag system in force.
BEACH WARNING FLAGS
2 RED flags - WATER CLOSED TO PUBLIC
1 RED Flag- HIGH HAZARD - High Surf and/or Strong Currents
1 YELLOW Flag - MEDIUM HAZARD - Moderate Surf and/or Strong Currents
1 GREEN Flag - LOW HAZARD - Calm Condition, Exercise Caution
1 PURPLE FLAG - MARINE LIFE - Marine life may be present to present a danger.
It is best to avoid dangerous rip current conditions.
Heed the "No Swimming" danger flags!
Don't underestimate the power of the surf. Many people come to Florida and swim in surf for the first time and are caught by surprise at the strength of the water. It is especially dangerous for small children. The “shallow waters” in a strong rip condition, can be strong enough to knock a grown man down at times. If you are not an experienced surfer, stay out of the surf so you can live to swim another day.
A few good web sites to learn more…..
http://science.howstuffworks.com/rip-current.htm
http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/
To log this smiley, you must –
1) Take your picture in front of the Flag at this location, holding your GPSr.
2) As you approach the beach from the road, look to the south and west, this is usually one of the first and worst areas for rip currents locally.
A) Can you see a rip during your visit?
Describe the color difference? What causes this difference?
B) Try to see the width and the length of the Rip…
Email your answers to
gulfcoastrips@gmail.com
and post pictures on this GC website.
Thanks to the FTF cachers. It was pointed out that the Flag system sign at this location, has been removed. I have edited this page to accommodate this fact.
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