|
In This Issue...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Surf but Lifeguards Say Watch for Rip Currents...
|
|
Great Surf but Lifeguards Say Watch for Rip Currents...
Aptos resident Nick Hanna, seen here enjoying a strong swell off the coast, is a Capitola Lifeguard and Junior Guard instructor. Aptos photographer Mike Hushaw caught Hanna on a sunny Friday morning, Apr. 21, in Santa Cruz. Hanna also is a professional surfer who rides for O’Neill Surf Shop, Schroedel Surfboards, Katin Board Shorts and DaKine.
This spring, lifeguards are warning beach swimmers of strong rip currents that can be dangerous.
“We always have rip currents everywhere throughout the County. There are areas that are more dangerous than others during certain seasons. Our South County beaches like Rio Del Mar and Manresa are worse in the spring,” said State Lifeguard Dan Perry.
“From February through July we have horrible rip currents. They are biggest during that time of year. Large winter surf removes the sand near the shore and creates big rip current channels. If the wind currents are right they can pull 600-800 yards off shore. You can see them from the parking lot at Manresa.”
According to Perry, rip currents are generally worse during spring and early summer. This spring has been no different.
On Mar. 24, Aptos-La Selva Fire Department firefighters, State lifeguards, AMR paramedics and Santa Cruz Harbor patrol joined forces to pull four victims from the water.
Just after noon, responding to a call for help, two Aptos-La Selva engine crews arrived at Sand Dollar Beach and found a woman on the beach in distress. She said four members of her family had been swept away from the shore by a powerful rip current.
Two firefighters specially trained as rescue swimmers swam out to the victims. State lifeguards with the help of firefighters launched a personal water craft for rescue. Two of the victims were able to return to shore with help. Another victim was assisted by Aptos firefighter Grabost to shore, while the final victim was rescued by life guards in the PWC.
According to Lifeguard Perry, a good swimmer can escape a rip current by swimming parallel to shore. However feeder currents often times can pull a swimmer back into the original rip current.
Last year, in the Santa Cruz County District there were 235 water rescues. Of those 193 were attributed to rip currents.
|
Past stories related to this article...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
