June 2006 Table of Contents |
A Great Lakes rip current conference is scheduled for June 6, 2006 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The conference will cover rip current science, case studies and prediction and highlight current education and outreach efforts. Contact: Ron Kinnunen |
Contacts
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Chuck PistisNew beach signs in English and Spanish warn swimmers to be aware of dangerous rip currents Visitors to lakes Michigan and Superior this summer will notice new beach signs publicizing the dangers of rip currents—powerful currents that can develop in the Great Lakes and oceans. Michigan Sea Grant purchased and is coordinating placement of the signs, produced in English and Spanish, in west Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The new signs are designed to increase awareness of the dangers of rip currents by describing how to recognize them and how to escape if caught in a rip current. “We want people to have a good time but be informed about the danger of rip currents,” says Chuck Pistis, one of three Michigan Sea Grant educators facilitating the distribution of the new signs before this coming swimming season. Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving channels of water that move away from shore and are rarely more than 30 feet wide. They are powerful enough to sweep away even the strongest swimmers. Nationally, more than 100 people drown annually when caught in rip currents. In addition to providing beach signs, Michigan Sea Grant distributes rip currents brochures and maintains a Web page with information about rip currents. See: Rip Currents English | Español
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