ABSTRACT
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents originating in the surf zone that extend varying distances offshore. Rip velocities vary from only 0.3 m/sec to more than 2 m/sec and are in¦uenced by a number of variables such as tidal stage, wave height, wind speed and direction, and bottom topography. Structures such as piers, groins, and jetties represent areas where rip currents predictably occur (Figure 9.1). Natural rocky outcrops on beach faces and pocket beaches also create environments for permanent rips (Figure 9.2). Rip currents are commonly called rip tides (Figure 9.3) and undertows (Figure 9.4)—both terms are misnomers-and they exhibit some or all of the following attributes:
• A well-dešned head and neck that has a mushroom shape at its terminus • Flotsam and foam moving seaward in the current • Discoloration in water because rip is more turbid • “Excited” or active water in the rip current channel
Examinations of photographs and šeld evaluations of rip currents on many surf beaches worldwide indicate that they seldom resemble the description cited above. Consequently, public educational materials about rips are over-simplišed and can
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 147 Panama City Beach Study Area ............................................................................. 150 Drownings .............................................................................................................. 151 Safety Program ....................................................................................................... 152 Beach Safety Survey .............................................................................................. 156 Discussion .............................................................................................................. 156 Conclusions ............................................................................................................ 159 References .............................................................................................................. 160
be misleading because rips are not accurately and reliably depicted. This over-simplišcation may lead some bathers to believe that they can stand at the water’s edge and spot rip currents; this may be possible in some cases, but certainly not in every case. Fletemeyer and Leatherman (2010) concluded that “expecting a bather to be able to identify rip currents using current signage and information is problematic, overly optimistic, and even unrealistic.”
