May 23, 2005
Sea Grant Regional Great Lakes Rip Currents Conference features hazards forecasting
In recent years, more than 20 people have died along the shores of the Great Lakes, and rip currents have been known to cause such deaths. A regional conference featuring experts on this dangerous phenomenon is scheduled June 2 at the Great Lakes Visitor Center on M-116 in Ludington State Park near Ludington, Michigan. Speakers will present their most recent findings, describe successful educational programs, and discuss research needs.
Conference sponsors are Michigan Sea Grant, National Weather Service, Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
See: Conference schedule
Forecasting Great Lakes rip currents is the major theme of the 2005 conference. Research conducted at the University of Michigan=s Ocean Engineering Laboratory and directed by Dr. Guy Meadows is providing the scientific basis for meteorologists to make assessments of Great Lakes conditions that are conducive to rip currents. Contact Meadows at (734)764-5235 or gmeadows@engin.umich.edu.
This summer, for the first time, National Weather Service offices that serve lakes Superior, Michigan and Erie will be providing rip current forecasts as part of their hazardous weather outlooks. Dave Guenther will explain how this system is expected to work. Contact Guenther at dave.guenther@noaa.gov or (906) 475-5782 Ext. 676.
Community groups such as the Mackinac County Water Safety Review Team are working to improve public awareness of rip currents and encourage appropriate action. Improved rescue stations along US 2 are one example. Contact Ron Kinnunen at (906) 226-3687 or kinnune1@msu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Lakes Rip Currents
What forces create rip currents in the Great Lakes?
The best Great Lakes bathing beaches are rich in sand. These beaches also have very well developed nearshore sand bars. These sand bars channel strong wave-generated and wind-generated currents along the shoreline between the bars. This intense flow can rip through the bar system to flow offshore. According to research conducted by Guy Meadows, University of Michigan professor and director of the UM Ocean Engineering Laboratory, a 2 to 3 foot breaking wave on a Great Lakes beach can create a much stronger rip current than a similar wave on a southern California beach. Contact Meadows at (734)764-5235 or gmeadows@engin.umich.edu.
What do Great Lakes water levels have to do with the danger of rip currents?
During low water years the offshore portion of the underwater beach becomes steeper. This allows larger waves to reach the beach and create conditions conducive to the formation of rip currents. Recent low Great Lakes water levels may have intensified the effects of the wind- and wave-driven near shore currents, according to research sponsored by the University of Michigan Ocean Engineering Laboratory. Contact Meadows at (734)764-5235 or gmeadows@engin.umich.edu.
Why are Great Lakes rip currents especially dangerous?
Dave Guenther of the National Weather Service says Great Lakes storms happen quickly, and the rapidly increasing wave heights catch unsuspecting swimmers by surprise. When winds and waves combine to create a rip current, the swimmer may become confused. Guenther says it=s vital that beachgoers learn about the hazards of rip currents and heed marine weather forecasts about the wind and wave conditions. Contact Guenther at dave.guenther@noaa.gov or (906) 475-5782 Ext. 676
What's a swimmer to do?
Even an experienced swimmer can get caught in a Great Lakes rip current. Before wading into the water on a Great Lakes beach, learn the three signs of a developing rip current and the five ways to escape if you encounter one. Contact Ron Kinnunen, Upper Peninsula Sea Grant Extension, at (906) 226-3687 or kinnune1@msu.edu.
Can drowning deaths from rip currents be prevented?
Public awareness is critical to preventing rip current drowning deaths, and the Mackinac County Water Safety Team has taken several steps to alert visitors to northern Lake Michigan beaches about the dangers. Contact Ron Kinnunen at (906) 226-3687 or kinnune1@msu.edu.
For additional information on rip currents, visit the Rip Current website
Michigan Sea Grant is a collaborative effort of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan in Great Lakes research, education and outreach. It is one of 30 Sea Grant programs in coastal states, supported by the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For additional information about Michigan Sea Grant, visit www.miseagrant.umich.edu. |
