A Study of Rip Current Drownings and Related Weather Factors

Annually, a number of people in the United States drown in the SUI! zone. This study determines the number of Sl."! drownings each year, mainly in Dade and Broward countIes of southeast Florida, that are attributable t? rip currents. Certain meteorological and oceanographic factors are examined to determine their relationship to rip currents. The study indicates that the number of probable rip current drownings in the two southeast Florida counties averaged more than nine per year for the period 1979 through 1988. It is estimated that 25 to 35 rip current drownings per year occur in the state of Florida. Preliminary estimates, indicate that North Carolina averages nine and Alabama three rip current drownings annually, while nationally, the number is near 150. A good correlation is established between rip cU!Tents and local wind direction and speed, and also between rip currents and tidal heights. An experimental scale is formulated which categorizes the degree of danger in the Slll! zone from rip currents and indicates appropriate actions to be taken. An independent data set is used to verify the conclusions reached from the ten year data sample. 1