News Release

March 3, 2006
Request for PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Please run through Labor Day (September 4, 2006)

RIP CURRENTS CAN TURN A DAY OF FUN AT THE BEACH INTO DEADLY DANGER. THESE POWERFUL CURRENTS OF WATER CAN PULL EVEN THE STRONGEST SWIMMER OUT TO SEA. THEY OFTEN FORM AROUND MAN-MADE OBJECTS LIKE JETTIES AND PIERS.

IF CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT, STAY CALM. DON’T TRY TO SWIM STRAIGHT TO SHORE. IF THE RIP CURRENT IS WEAK, SWIM PARALLEL TO SHORE UNTIL YOU ARE OUT OF THE CURRENT. IF THE CURRENT IS STRONGER, FLOAT WITH IT UNTIL IT DIES OUT, THEN SWIM DIAGONALLY TOWARD SHORE.

MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THIS STATION AND THE TEXAS SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM – COASTAL SCIENCE SERVING TEXANS.

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NR 06-03
Powell 03/03/06

The Texas Sea Grant College Program is a partnership of university, government and industry, focusing on marine research, education and advisory services. Visit our web site at http://texas-sea-grant.tamu.edu