More updates on hurricane Erin?, more restrictions? Yes! Even though hurricane Erin may be far in the sea, the coastline has already felt the impact.
Many officials have issued directives that beaches will remain closed “until further notice” because of dangerous rip currents and rough surf.
Beaches along Assateague Island and Ocean City, Maryland, are now closed as Hurricane Erin churns offshore. This results from dangerous rip currents and unfavourable surf conditions along the coast. On Tuesday, authorities made the announcement about beach closures and warned that swimming will not be allowed until further notice.
The extreme winds and waves from the storm, has the water too dangerous for swimmers.
Why the Ocean Is So Dangerous Right Now
Rip currents are the most concerning factor for officials and lifeguards. Rip currents refer to fast-moving channels of water that pull away from the beach. These are very difficult to identify and can quickly pull swimmers into deep water. Trying to fight against these waves becomes tiresome, and this is where the danger sets in.
Captain Butch Arbin of the Ocean City Beach Patrol explained how quickly conditions can turn dangerous: “A rip current, a wave set comes in, and suddenly—you can feel it pulling you backwards. A fast-running rip actually can flow faster than an Olympic swimmer can swim.”
The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed on Tuesday that all beaches on Assateague Island, are closed to water activities. Extreme rip currents and high waves are making swimming dangerous all through the island’s 30-mile coast.
A Hidden Risk for Swimmers
Rip currents are deceiving because they don’t always look dangerous. They can appear as calm water spots, making swimmers think it is safe for them to swim. Therefore, it is important for residents to follow the warning and stay off the beaches until authorities declare it safe again.
Impact on Local Communities
Residents in local communities and coastal areas may find that this is an extremely difficult time. Especially because the summer months attract a lot of tourists, however, with the closure of beaches, local businesses may experience the brunt of this.
But the message is clear, there would much rather be a few days of business closure rather than the loss of lives.
What Beachgoers Should Do
There isn’t much that beach lovers can do, but the best option is to stay away from the beaches and follow instructions. Swimming is not safe, period!
Standing on the sand is fine, but going too close to the water’s edge can be risky as waves push farther up the beach. Should, by any chance, someone get caught in a rip current, the most important thing to do is not panic (as difficult as it may seem). Swimmers should try to swim parallel to the shore until they are free from the rip current. Avoid trying to fight the current.
A Bigger Pattern With Stronger Storms
Hurricane Erin just shows us that even though some storms don’t touchdown on land, the effects still stretch far and wide. Rip currents and dangerous surf conditions may become a common in the future as a result of climate change. This is why it is important to pay attention to alerts and obey directives from authorities.
Staying Safe Until the Beaches Reopen
Rest assured that beaches will open once it’s safe. Officials are watching Erin closely but until the next directive, residents are urged to stay clear off the beach.
Lifeguards assure residents that the beaches will always there and there will be multiple chances to visit again, but for now, stay on the sand and stay safe!