Hurricane Ernesto bringing waves, rip currents this weekend
For the second straight weekend, a large storm will likely have an effect on beach conditions in the Cape Region.
Last weekend, the remnants of Hurricane Debby went west of the Chesapeake Bay as the storm traveled north.
This weekend, Hurricane Ernesto will be hundreds of miles to the east in the Atlantic Ocean. The National Weather Service’s Philadelphia office issued a statement Aug. 14, saying that while Ernesto is expected to remain well offshore, dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected to impact the Delaware beaches as early as Friday, Aug. 16, and through the weekend. The high surf could result in beach erosion and coastal flooding, especially in Delaware’s back bays, said the statement.
Lt./EMT Madison Mazon, a fifth-year lifeguard for Rehoboth, said a hurricane hundreds of miles off the coast can still affect water conditions because there’s a ripple effect, which can cause dangerous rip currents and large waves.
“We’ll be especially vigilant this weekend,” said Mazon.
Rip currents are often visible from the beach, said Mazon. People should be on the lookout for discolored water, because the sand is being stirred up, and a mushroom-shaped formation in the waters near the shore. She recommended always making contact with the lifeguards and monitoring the flag conditions throughout the day.
Rehoboth Beach Patrol Capt. Jeff Giles said there was one day last weekend when water access was limited to knee depth, but as the size of the waves increased, a decision was made to totally limit access. There were 6-foot waves and strong rips, he said.
Giles said Aug. 15 that it’s too early to tell exactly how the weekend will turn out, but there could be similar restrictions put in place this weekend. No matter what, swim with a partner, he said.
This is the time of year when local beach patrols start losing lifeguards because they’re returning to college. Rehoboth isn’t immune to this issue.
Giles said Rehoboth will make sure to have lifeguards in the middle of its coverage area because it’s the most densely populated. However, he said, there will be sections without lifeguards. There will be signs to let beachgoers know, he said.
What to do if caught in a rip current
The United States Lifesaving Association has information on what swimmers should do if caught in a rip current, which moves perpendicular to shore and can be very strong:
• Relax – rip currents don’t pull a person underwater
• Don’t swim against the current
• Swim out of the current, then to shore
• If a person can’t escape, float or tread water
• If help is needed, yell or wave for assistance.
