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Dr. Stephen Leatherman aka Dr. Beach |
| Learn About Rip Currents: |
| (select a topic below) Rip Currents 101 »» What to Do If Caught In A Rip Current »» Rip Current Briefs »» Anatomy Of A Rip Current »» Rip Current Glossary »» |
| Available Now: |
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| (Order Online) |
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What is a rip current?strong> Shown below: Photographs 1-3 by Rob Brander, Photograph 4 by Dr. Stephen Leatherman. 
 
 Rip Currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore, capable of sweeping even the strongest swimmers out to sea and are often called “killer currents” for a good reason. Although estimates vary, rip currents are responsible for approximately 100 deaths every year and probably thousands worldwide. Through raising awareness and increasing understanding, we seek to dramatically reduce the number of fatalities from ths lurking danger. |
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Rip
Currents 101: Learn all about rip currents, including: what causes rip currents; how to recognize and escape a rip current; and what to do if caught in a rip current. |
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What
are the warning signs? »» Change in water color from surrounding water (either murkier from sediments, seaweed, and flotsam, or darker because of the depth of the underwater channel where the rip flows) »» Gap in the breaking waves, where the rip is forcing its way seaward through the surf zone »» Agitated (choppy) surface that extends beyond the breaker zone.»»Floating objects moving steadily seaward »» Temperature of water--water in the rip may be colder than surrounding water. |
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The First Annual Rip Current Symposium
The Rip Current Symposium was
held on February 17-19, 2010, in
Miami, Florida, with a focus on
identifying advancements in rip
current research to increase
understanding about the
dynamics, mechanisms, and
predictability of rip currents;
recognizing that improving
public understanding of rips
that will reduce the tragic
losses of life. (Review The Materials) |
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| This is not actually a rip current--just strong backwash, but I think it's a good example of what some people think are rips. Sobering but pretty funny at the same time...for obvious reasons! | |||||||
| Dr. Beach’s Water Tracer | |||||||
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Dr. Beach's Water Tracer is a
method of detecting surface
water currents, especially
life-threatening rip currents at
surf beaches, has been
developed. The water tracer is
biodegradable and non-toxic.
(read more) |
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| Photo: Water Tracers (Dye balls), which can easily be thrown tens of feet, are orange in solid form. |
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Website By MarlaBean.