We interrupt our regularly scheduled post with this important reminder about rip tides. With Hurricane Earl spinning off the New England coast, there will be rough waves along the beaches this weekend. Meteorologists are predicting 4 to 8 feet swells that will create a rip current risk, and swimmers are advised to take caution. Therefore today we are re-sharing part of our water safety post from earlier this summer regarding rip tides. We’d also like to remind everyone that even the strongest dogs are no match for rip currents. Please be careful this weekend if you’re headed to the beach. Also please note this time of year many Maine beaches do NOT have lifeguards on duty.

Rip tides, which are actually rip currents, are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water in the ocean. Rip currents typically reach speeds of 1 to 2 feet per second. However, some rip currents have been measured at 8 feet per second, which is faster than any Olympic swimmer. Therefore even if you’ve mastered the doggie paddle, you better beware! 

Rip currents can be difficult to spot, and conditions can change without notice. However, some clues to look for are areas of water where waves are not breaking, especially narrow gaps of darker, calmer-looking water extending offshore. Because rip currents look calm, many people think they are the safest place for a dog to swim and often choose to enter the water right in the middle of the rip current! For a visual description here is a video produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association on “How to Spot a Rip Current.” 

If you should find yourself in a rip current, do NOT try to swim against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle.