In the Great Lakes, swimmers are most likely to encounter one of five common currents: structural; rip; channel; longshore; and outlet (river channel). A collaborative effort of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, Michigan Sea Grant is part of the NOAA-National Sea Grant network of 34 university-based programs. One experiment at Grand Haven State Park in May of 2013 moved the research team closer to understanding current formation. Senior Care Facilities Get Creative to Help Residents Cope With Isolation. Experts say you should avoid crossing rivers unless it’s absolutely necessary. This is to be expected, as cold fronts are frequently accompanied by high winds and waves, which are more supportive of rip current development. "Even an Olympic swimmer would find themselves going backward in a rip current pulse," she said. If you have them, put them on. Meadows has developed several ways of gathering data to help predict when and where rip currents and other dangerous currents may form. You may have heard about the rip tide or undertow before. Every year, more than 100 beachgoers on average drown due to these strong river-like channels of water that pull swimmers away from the shore, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA). Undercurrent.
Throwing objects, especially buoyant objects, into the middle of the river will begin to give you an idea of the speed. A common perception is that rip currents pull swimmers underwater; in reality, they're strong, narrow currents that flow away from the beach. Highly detailed laser measurements of the beach environment shows how water and topography combine to trigger rips. To read more about rip current research, see: Potential Discussion: As a class, talk about the power of water. This is likely because this is the range of wave heights that most people feel comfortable swimming in, and it is the start of when rip current speeds become dangerous. Nearly half of all rescues made by lifeguards at ocean beaches are related to rip currents, according to the USLA. Publisher and Editor. The highest number of deaths and rescues happen in Michigan, specifically along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The most common weather pattern observed during rip current incidents was the passage of a cold front. Those who understand the dynamics of rip currents advise remaining calm. These calmer waters are often between turbulent breaking waves, presenting an inviting pathway to inexperienced beachgoers.
"If there are no breaking waves, there won't be any rip currents," Carey said. Other currents can be more variable, dependent upon the bathymetry (shape of the lake bottom) and the weather and wave conditions. In the past, rip currents were sometimes called rip tides, which was a mistake, Carey said. Rivers are a key element of the outdoors, they supply camps with water, give campers a place to cool off in the summer and the view isn’t bad either. THE ACTIVE TIMES ® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF TRIBUNE PUBLISHING. Receive mail from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors? [Find Out Your Odds of Dying from Various Phenomena]. A person will dive under a wave, but when they resurface they find they are much farther from the beach and still being pulled away. "There is no current that will pull you under in the ocean.". "Even small rips can flow faster than a person can swim. These are terms that people commonly use to describe dangerous currents. Think about a damn bursting, or an aboveground pool that has sprung a leak — rivers that have carved out deep walls and worn down rock over time. 'Travel Tips for Long-Haul Flights -- how to spend less on -- and survive -- grueling dive trips overseas' from Undercurrent November, 2013 issue Only two northern white rhinos remain. The method experts recommend most is going down on your back, with your feet pointed downstream, and your head positioned upstream. Wind is most likely toward the shore, at 25 mph or less. "A rip current is not at all a tide.". In the Great Lakes, there are permanent currents and variable currents. Thank you for signing up to Live Science. There was a problem. As currents strengthen, they can turn from inconvenient to dangerous and even deadly. However, currents that are stronger, and therefore more dangerous, are fairly common in the Great Lakes. When water returns to the ocean, it follows the path of least resistance, which is typically through these channels. You'll wash out of the current at some point and can then make your way back to shore. It is easier to control your direction this way, but your head is vulnerable to impact with rocks and branches.
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