Rip Tides (Florence, North: dangerous, safety, beach)

[KellyCrash]

I'm from Florence and we come to the beach every year in Aug. Anyway, we're going to be in North Myrtle. Should we just avoid going in the ocean? I have a 6 year old and a 1 year old. My Mom is going to be there also with my older niece 12 & nephew 17. My Mom doesn't swim and will be the person responsbile for the older kids. She has already told them they can't go in the ocean. I don't blame her and reading the stories of the drownings has me worried as well for my kids.

I just can't imagine coming to the beach and not going in the ocean tho. Are people doing this? Are the riptides as bad as they're making it out to be? It's one thing to be an adult and familiar with the water and the current, but another to to be supervising little children in the water and keeping everyone safe.

[PawleysDude]

Thousands of people are swimming everyday at the beach and having a great time. At the same time, the ocean is not a swimming pool, and we have been shown the risks too tragically this year. The severity of rip tides are constantly changing, and I don't think this year has been any different than past years.

Find a spot on the beach near a lifeguard station. Ask him/her about riptides and undertows in the area. Pay attention to any warning flags. If you don't know what they mean, ask the lifeguard. It's not wise for anyone who is not a strong swimmer to venture out further than knee-deep. It's a good idea for kids to have some type of flotation - paddle board, float, etc even in shallow water. Make sure they are educated on rip tides and what they should do if they are caught in one. Anyone who has adequate flotation and a good knowledge of the situation should be okay if they don't panic.

The beach is a fun place, but only you can make the decision regarding the safety of your family. Enjoy your visit!

[Tinabean]

Good advice, PD. rep to you.

[pburgess68]

The riptides are definitely dangerous. You can check out WMBF News online to see all of the issues we've had as of late.

I can't imagine a 1 yr old or 6 yr old would be going in farther than their knees, so they are "safe". The older ones are the ones you really need to be concerned about. Pawleys Dude gave you great advice. Unfortunately, many of the lifeguards don't always speak English well and that seems to be a potential issue, as was mentioned last year after the season was over.

Honestly, I'm saddened every time I hear of a drowning or a near fatal one. Then again, we're hearing of it in the pools, too. I think maybe people are taking chances they just don't need to take, for the sake of having "fun".

Enjoy your trip but do it safely