NOAA Reports Deadliest Beach Areas
News Staff • June 15, 2024
Rip tides are the usual culprit for the cause of drownings
So far in 2024, Puerto Rico has experienced the most surf zone fatalities amongst U.S. States and Territories. But in 2023 the Gulf of Mexico lead in casualties caused by rip currents. According to NOAA, in the last 14 years the beaches from Fort Morgan to Perdido Key have experienced 42 fatalities by rip currents.
NOAA and the National Weather Service keep a database of "near shore" fatalities in the United States. Their latest report updated on June 7th, provides fatality statistics about our local beaches.
2010 through June 7, 2024 Summary: (Fort Morgan to Perdido Key)
- 44 Fatalities ( 42 - Rip Currents, 1- High Tides, 1 - Other)
- 90% of the fatalities are male
- 35% of the fatalities occur in the month of June
- Sunday is the most dangerous day
- The deadliest year for surf fatalities in the area was 2017
NOAA Map of Surf Fatalities
The United States Lifesaving Association reminds everyone to ALWAYS SWIM NEAR LIFEGUARDS!
Reports from lifeguard agencies nationwide consistently show that the odds of a swimmer fatally drowning at a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million (.0000055%). While swimmers must take some responsibility for their own safety, lifeguards are trained to recognize hazardous conditions, advise swimmers how to stay safe, respond to emergencies, and provide medical care for those in need.
Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches that typically form at breaks in sandbars and near structures such as piers and rock groins. The USLA has found that more than 80% of rescues by USLA affiliated lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by rip currents.
If caught in a rip current:
Relax, rip currents don't pull you under
- Don’t swim against the current
- You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach
- Alternatively, you may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore
- If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself
- If you need help, yell and wave for assistance
To help someone else caught in a rip current:
Do not become a victim while trying to help someone else
- Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims
- Instead, get help from a lifeguard
- If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1, while directing the victim to swim along the shoreline to escape
- If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats
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