According to the National Weather Service, the risk of rip currents steadily increases in the gulf as the tropical disturbance forms.
Rip currents can pop up at any beach with breaking waves. While they might be hard to spot, experts say the water in a rip current will appear darker than it's surrounding water. Also, wearing polarized sunglasses can help spot one, especially at a higher elevation, like up near the sand dunes for example.
If you do plan on swimming, you should always bring at least one person with you. Also, swim near lifeguards when you can for a decreased risk in drowning. If you do happen to get caught in a rip current, the National Weather Service says swim parallel to the beach. Head for the white water where sand bars are located. Rips are fast moving currents of water that can pull even strong swimmers away from the shore.
#WaterSafetyMonth IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A CURRENT, DON'T TRY TO FIGHT IT OR SWIM AGAINST IT. YOU CAN MAKE IT BACK TO SHORE BY SWIMMING GRADUALLY AWAY FROM IT. #ripcurrent @ripcurrentsafeT @H20ratt pic.twitter.com/klXR8HiN5s
— NDPA (@drownalliance) May 24, 2018
As the tropical disturbance forms in the gulf, experts say the highest risks for rip currents will be on Sunday and Monday. For more information on how to spot or protect yourself from a rip current, click here.
