Rip Current Safety For Your Dog

Coastal scientists have been investigating rip currents for more than 75 years. This research has been conducted through field observations, measurements, laboratory measurements, wave tank experiments, and computer, and numerical modeling. The mechanics of rip current development are complex and involve interactions between waves and currents, waves and water levels, waves and the shape of the nearshore bottom (bathymetry), as well as wave-wave interaction. Rip currents can occur along any coastline that has breaking waves. Scientific investigations of wave and current interactions along the coast have shown that rip currents are likely to present on most beaches every day as a component of the complex pattern of nearshore circulation. As waves travel from deep to shallow water, they eventually break near the shoreline. As waves break, they generate currents that flow in both the offshore (away from the coast) and the alongshore directions. Currents flowing away from the coast are called rip currents. Along all coastlines, nearshore circulation cells may develop when waves break strongly in some locations and weakly in others. These weaker and stronger wave-breaking patterns are most often seen on beaches with a sand bar and channel system in the nearshore zone. A rip current forms as the narrow, fast-moving section of water travels in an offshore direction. Rip currents can also result from a wave's natural variability or when a current traveling along the shoreline encounters a structure such as a groin or jetty and is forced offshore. Rip current strength and speed varies. This variability makes rip currents especially dangerous to uninformed beachgoers. Rapid fluctuations or pulses in wave groups can quickly generate rip currents with velocities measured up to eight feet per second.

As waves break along a shoreline or over a sandbar, an increase in water level occurs. This increase in water level is known as “set-up.” The increase in water level is especially evident as waves break over a sandbar, resulting in an increased set-up of water on the landward side of the bar. Thus, waves breaking over a sandbar can result in mass transport of water between the bar and the shoreline. There is usually a difference in set-up (water heights) between the bar, where the waves are breaking strongly, and the channel between bars, where little or no wave breaking occurs. One of the ways this water returns seaward is through rip currents, which flow seaward against the incoming waves. This seaward flow of water typically occurs through a break in the sandbar, where water is channelized into a narrow current. Protecting your family, including your furry family members is critical. The following are suggestions that may help protect everyone.

1. Never swim at an unguarded beach. (The unfortunate situation here is that most often dogs are not permitted on guarded beaches in our area. The next best thing is to never swim alone.) 2. If you encounter a rip current, STAY CALM! Try not to panic, and focus on floating by lying on your back and treading water. Remember it’s easier to float than to remain perpendicular to the surf. 3. Don’t fight the current. If necessary, ride it out. Keep in mind that the strength of the rip will eventually dissipate. 4. Swim parallel or at an angle to the shore. 5. If a lifeguard is visible, wave your arms and yell for help!

Spotting a Rip Current

Rip currents are sometimes difficult to spot. However, with the aid of some basic information and a little practice, even a layperson can learn how to identify and avoid being caught in a Rip. Some of the rip current indicators include:

• Choppy or “excited” water that is located in a channel

• Debris moving away from the beach

• Discolored or murky water allows for the identification of a distinct channel that terminates offshore.

If you observe a person caught in a rip current:

• Look for a lifeguard to get help.

• If there is no life guard on duty, call 911.

• Look for a flotation device such as a raft, boogie board, or even a cooler. Wade no more than knee-deep in the water and toss the flotation device to the victim. Throw the object in front of the swimmer. Don’t toss it behind or to the side. The moving current will take it to the person if tossed in front of them.

Because rescuing your dog will be difficult, the best protection is prevention. Have your pup wear a well-fitted life vest. Also, be sure to scan the water frequently for the potential of a rip to be forming and move the family to another area or call it a day while everyone is safe.

— Safety guidelines provided by NOAA.

Growing up at the beach, of course lots of people took their dogs to the beach, just as they do today. One day a beautiful dog disappeared into the Ocean in Dewey, in what many thought was a rip current. For those of you with dogs that enjoy the Ocean be aware that they are just as much at risk as their humans in getting caught in a Rip. It’s our job to assess the Ocean’s status to be sure they don’t fall victim as this dog did. Unfortunately we can’t teach them to swim parallel to shore. —Sandy