All about rip currents

The link I suggested is probably more than anyone wants to know about the science of rip currents. Fortunately, rip currents are quite often predictable...hence, the red flags and the need to pay attention to them.

Very interesting reading, thanks for sharing the link. And my husband is always worried about sharks...

I suggest the following link to learn more about rip currents and the hazards therein.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rip-current.htm

A very good post. I have indeed been trained on how to deal with these. I have also been caught in several. EVERY swimmer should read this. Great job! :clap_1: :clap_1:

Where would someone, including children ages 11 and 13, get trained in avoiding and swimming out of rip currents?

Perhaps some of the old timers can comment on this...but I don't recall any deaths in recent years from rip tides that did not occur when red (or possibly yellow) flags were flying. On this part of the Gulf coast, at least. So my post shouldn't overly alarm anyone about excessive risk of rip tides in 'normal' water conditions. The deaths occur when people ignore the red flags. As for training youngsters...the most important thing to know is the warning flag system and follow it. Secondly...and the hardest to do if you get caught in a riptide...is first, to not fight the current ...then, swim parallel to the shore to get out of the current...before swimming to shore.

Perhaps some of the old timers can comment on this...but I don't recall any deaths in recent years from rip tides that did not occur when red (or possibly yellow) flags were flying. On this part of the Gulf coast, at least. So my post shouldn't overly alarm anyone about excessive risk of rip tides in 'normal' water conditions. The deaths occur when people ignore the red flags. As for training youngsters...the most important thing to know is the warning flag system and follow it. Secondly...and the hardest to do if you get caught in a riptide...is first, to not fight the current ...then, swim parallel to the shore to get out of the current...before swimming to shore.

I think you are right GVM, but I could not say for certain. Most occurances of these people dying all take place on the same day, and typically under red flag.

Where would someone, including children ages 11 and 13, get trained in avoiding and swimming out of rip currents?

I haven't heard of any place you could go for hands-on training specific to rip currents. Might call the Red Cross or the USLA for possible training programs in the area.

For self-education here are a couple of other useful links:

http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov

http://www.usla.org/

More info at
http://sowal.com/south-walton-beach-rules-and-safety-information

More info at
http://sowal.com/south-walton-beach-rules-and-safety-information

Great summary here, Kurt. A big "thank you" for creating this total package of information regarding beach usage.

Thank you - please let us know if anything needs to be edited / added, etc.