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Public warned of rip currents and high seas
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Posted on Dec 16 2019
The public is being warned that there is a high risk of rip currents through 6am Wednesday. A small craft advisory is also in effect until 6am Tuesday.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, dangerous rip currents are present along east facing reefs of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, especially on some beaches such as Ritidian and Gun beaches in Guam and Obyan Beach on Saipan. The high risk of rip currents could extend to north facing reefs.
Fresh to strong trade winds will produce hazardous conditions for small craft for the next couple of days. The stronger winds will result in building seas and east winds of 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots.
A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots are expected to produce wave conditions hazardous to small craft.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties, and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs.
Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.
The public is advised to avoid venturing out along east facing reefs and beaches. Strong rip currents will be life threatening.
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.
