Spring-breakers are making their way to the coast. While the blue skies and temperatures in the 80s make perfect swimming weather, you want to be cautious before swimming in the Gulf.
The National Weather Service issued a Rip Current Risk Tuesday for Gulf-facing beaches, including Matagorda Peninsula, Brazoria County beaches, Bolivar Peninsula, and Galveston Island. This risk also extends to South Texas beaches. The Risk will stay in effect through Wednesday morning as winds continue to gust out of the south as high as 35 mph.
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As a reminder, a rip current is a fast-moving current that pulls swimmers away from the shore into deeper Gulf waters.
When caught, many swimmers panic or try to swim against the current, which will fatigue even the best swimmer. Instead, you should swim parallel to shore. This direction will eventually get you out of the rip current, and you can make it to shore without resistance.
Rip currents often develop near piers, jetties, and sandbars. Check out Chief Anthony Yanez’s explainer on how to spot a Rip Current. If you are unsure how to spot a rip current or are concerned about beach conditions, find the nearest lifeguard they are always willing to help.
It is also a good idea to understand the flag system on the beach. Check out the five different types of Flags from Galveston Island Beach Patrol. Galveston Island Beach Patrol posting a Red Flag Tuesday, warning swimmers to go no more than waist deep and keep children and non-swimmers at the shoreline. So, inside, build a sandcastle instead of taking a deep dive.