Vero Riptide - Update

[PamOKW]

A week or so ago I posted reminding folks to respect the ocean when in Vero. Lately, Florida has been experiencing dangerous riptides and there have been several deaths throughout the state. This report from "The Global Lifeguard" relates the story of a near tragedy right at Disney. Check the postings and if there are any warnings, swim next door at the lifeguarded beach -- or better yet enjoy the ocean from on land and swim in the pool.

12 Year Old Caught In Riptide at Disney

I've found Peggy Fisher's reports to be a very interesting link to Vero. Maybe some of you can keep an eye out for her strolling the beach. I found this picture of what she looks like when out scouting for her daily "reports". She seems more identifiable than she appears in the dolphin picture.

Peggy with Umbrella

 

[pmcpmc]

The beach at Vera is really only for strong swimmers as it does not have a shallow fall away.

 

[floridafam]

Thank you for the link.

What courage that Disney employee had to go in and attempt a rescue. Usually it's the person attempting the rescue that dies.

I'm glad they are okay.

FYI, if you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel with the shore line. This might save your life.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The seas are rough, I was reading a trip report about a Disney cruise last week. Very high waves and turbulence. I am glad this had a happy ending!

Thank you.

Bobbi

 

[Pa@okw95]

I believe the correct thing to do if caught in one is do not fight it. Let it take you out, then swim parallel to the shore and you should find yourself out of the current and able to swim back. Most people drown from rip tides fighting it, you really can not fight it, so don' try. I like swimming pools they are a lot safer.

 

[PamOKW]

You are right about swimming parallel.

Here's part of a letter Peggy Fisher (see above) sent to the Vero newspaper.

Look for lifeguards and ask where and when swimming is safest for your family. Wabasso is one of the local beaches that is guarded 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

If, despite your precautions, you get caught in a rip tide, never swim against it. Rip tides can kill the strongest swimmers if they panic. Swim with it, parallel to the coast, until it releases you. Then swim back to the shore.

You do not even have to be swimming to be in danger. A rip current can sweep you off your feet and carry you out to sea, even when you are only wading.

This creates an even greater threat for small children. Never let them be in the water without constant supervision.

Stay safe and enjoy the beach.

Peggy Fisher
Vero Beach

 

[westjones]

Is this a seasonal thing? We are going to Vero for the first time in July. Will the waters be dangerous then? I have twin 10 year olds, and this story really scares me.

DJ

 

[thechangingtable]

watching the news here tonight and there were two shark attacks just south of vero today. They say that the recent conditions are perfect for sharks to be near the shore lately. Just watch out if you are in the water! maybe just look, and swim in the pool!

christine

 

[PamOKW]

The riptides are caused by weather conditions. My guess is that spring and fall are probably the worst but I don't know that for a fact. You shouldn't be terrified by the ocean but you should be aware that it is not Disney controlled -- it is Mother Nature and does need to be treated with respect. I would keep an eye on your kids and know where they are and make sure they do not head down to the beach without an adult. The lifeguarded beach is literally right next door to Disney and is a good idea if you are going to actually be doing any swimming in the ocean.

 

[jaysue]

Is the lifeguarded beach North or South of DVC VB resort?

thanks
jaysue

 

[PamOKW]

North. If you walk down the beach steps, just turn to your left (as you face the ocean).

 

[jaysue]

Thanks PamOKW

 

[CarolAnnC]

I have seen many sharks circling in the waters at Vero Beach while staying there in the summer months. Be aware that there are dangers. It is nice to stroll the beach, but I would much prefer to stick to the pools there for swimming.

 

[CWO4DVC]

Thanks for all the information on riptides and of course sharks. My 6 yr old will be closer to me than I had planned. Like right next to me.

 

[Sammie]

Riptides can occur at any time or month of the year. This is the ocean and certainly these are natural occurances as are the sharks.

I have to agree with CarolAnn. Unless you are a very strong, swimmer used to ocean currents, etc. I would recommend enjoying the beach and swim in the pool.

 

[jmminarik]

Originally posted by Sammie
I have to agree with CarolAnn. Unless you are a very strong, swimmer used to ocean currents, etc. I would recommend enjoying the beach and swim in the pool.

Even if you are a strong swimmer, stick to the pool during a rip-tide, and always swim with others around otherwise. Lifeguards are like insurance...you need them, you want them, but you never want to make use of them.

-Joe

 

[candlestix]

Thank you all--you made my decision easy


My 13 yr old DD has been begging to take surfing lessons while we are down there this summer. She's a strong swimmer (on thw school swim team) but after reading this thread there is NO WAY she's doing that!

 

[jmminarik]

Originally posted by candlestix
Thank you all--you made my decision easy


My 13 yr old DD has been begging to take surfing lessons while we are down there this summer. She's a strong swimmer (on thw school swim team) but after reading this thread there is NO WAY she's doing that!

Meanie Mom!(or is it Dad?) Don't say no just yet. Check the announcement boards for the updates and don't forget, it's a little different when you have a number of trained surf instructors with you and a board roped to your leg. Well, that won't help with the sharks so tell her to not look like a seal. That might help.

-Joe

 

[candlestix]

Originally posted by jmminarik
Meanie Mom!(or is it Dad?) Don't say no just yet. Check the announcement boards for the updates and don't forget, it's a little different when you have a number of trained surf instructors with you and a board roped to your leg. Well, that won't help with the sharks so tell her to not look like a seal. That might help.

-Joe

Yeah, I'm a paranoid mom! Can't wait until she gets home from school to ask her if she looks like a seal in the water

 

[floridafam]

There have many trips to VB for us where the ocean has been very calm. It's not always bad.

You just have to respect it and know when to stay away.