KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel and Photojournalist Michael Lemons took a ride with Galveston Island Beach Patrol Chief, Peter Davis on Stewart Beach. He said holiday weekends at the island typically attract between 250,000 to 500,000 people. He shared what beach patrol looks out for during a busy weekend.
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“I’m looking for a bunch of things at the same time. Number one, I’m checking the water. I’m looking for a pattern out there. Someone too far out or somebody that doesn’t look like they know what they’re doing. For example, if the wave is hitting someone from the back and their hair is in their eyes, that’s just one sign,” said Davis.
Davis said a common mistake people make is ignoring the flag warnings. Monday was a yellow lag warning. Progress from the day before where a red flag day was issued. Davis said two people drowned within 24 hours since Friday. Seven people were rescued over the weekend and more than 7,000 preventative actions were taken, meaning lifeguards guided swimmers to safety without physically touching them.A swimmer KPRC 2 spoke with on Monday said the water conditions were not too bad for swimming.
“I went pretty far out, but its pretty shallow a long way out so the kids have been safe.” Said Mary Mashunkashey.“Typically I would go out but not today. We are taking heed of the warning that has been given,” said White.“I think its really hard to see a rip current for the most part. Unless they’re really really pronounced. Here in the upper Texas coast. The strongest ones and most prevalent ones are near a structure like a pier or jetty.
“Call away for help if you’re able to but know that no current pulls you under, its just pulling you out. Then if you’re a good swimmer and you got your wits about you, you can swim parallel to shore away from that area towards breaking waves then you’ll probably be able to stand up,” said Davis.Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State.
Beach Patrol Swimming Rip Currents
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