06/30/2023
Reusing the Bay County sheriff’s photo. While you won’t be able to see the rip like this from the shore, there are things you can spot.
*Edit* this post was created during a dangerous rip current event when people ignored the water being closed to swimmers. Most of the time the beach will not look like this however, rips are just a way of water. Below is supposed to be information you can use while standing on the beach.
SPOTTING A RIP CURRENT
1. The U in the sand (red line on the beach). This U happens from sand being displaced due to the onshore flow of the water. The rip is usually on the downwind side of the U but can be perfectly straight out. That typically happens when the wind is directly onshore.
2. Look for deeper water. Note where the rips are typically deeper and the color of the water is darker. (Red Line pointed out)
3. Look for surf. Where the waves are breaking, the water is likely coming in or fighting the water that is coming out. This is usually where the shallower water is. (Yellow Lines)
4. Stand still and watch the water for 30 seconds. If you can visualize the water moving out and it lines up with a u in the sand, plus there isn’t any surf and the water is deeper than the surrounding water; you are likely looking at a rip. This water is not safe to get in even if you are an Olympic swimmer….
SURVIVAL OF A RIP IF CAUGHT
1. Don’t panic
2. Don’t panic
3. Don’t panic
4. Float as best you can, face the shore, and wave your arms for help.
5. Note the green arrows. You can escape a rip by swimming parallel to the shore in either direction (Green Lines). There are several getting-out points where you can get back to shore if you follow the surf (yellow lines back in).
6. Continue to not panic. If you can not escape the pull of the rip by swimming parallel to the shoreline… Let the rip take you out. When you feel you are no longer being pulled out, swim parallel and follow waves that are moving to the shore to get out safely. This is a lot of floating as rips can pull you out fairly quickly. Highlighting the importance of having a float with you if you plan on wading past waist deep.
SEEING SOMEONE IN A RIP
1. Call 911 and tell them what access you are at.
2. Try to get a nearby surfer/jet ski/boater's attention that someone needs help.
3. From the shore, shout directions of what way the person caught in the rip needs to swim to get out of the rip.
NEVER GET IN THE WATER TO HELP. WAIT FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS TO ARRIVE.
https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/bay-county/panama-city-beach/panama-city-beachs-rip-currents-explained/
