A storm system is moving across our area this Mother's Day Weekend. It is leading to higher waves and an increase in the RIP CURRENT risk. A rip current is a narrow fast moving channel of water that's moving very quickly away from shoreline. They most often occur at breaks in sandbars or near jetties and piers.
Red flags are up at the area beaches for this Mother's Day holiday. This means you need to avoid getting in the Gulf of Mexico because the rip current risk is dangerously high.
The rip current risk will go down for next week..,however, it's important to know what to do if you're ever caught in a rip current (cause the currents are always out there....just stronger on some days than others):
*The first thing to do is to avoid ever getting in the water alone. Always swim with a buddy so they can get help if necessary.
*If ever caught in a rip current, stay calm.
*Don't fight the current, just begin to swim parrallel to the shoreline...eventually you should swim out of it.
*If you're unable to swin out of the current, float with the current....then when you're out of it start swimming back to shore.
If you can't swim back, then once you're out of the current....draw attention to yourself...then tread water until help arrives.
*If you ever see someone in trouble...get a lifeguard or call 911. Many people drown while trying to help others.
Stay safe this Mother's Day Weekend!
Meteorologist Deitra Tate
