DO NOT ENTER THE WATER UNLESS YOU ARE A TRAINED RESCUER
Rip Currents
This part of the coast experiences the highest tide shifts on the east coast south of Nova Scotia. Because of this large movement of water, rip currents are always a concern. Rip currents vary in speed but can be faster than even the strongest swimmer. They can be narrow or more than 50 yards wide. Sometimes rip currents end just beyond the breaking waves, however they may continue to pull hundreds of yards offshore. Rip currents do not pull people under the water; they pull people away from shore. If caught in a rip current stay calm and do not fight the current. Escape the current by swimming in a direction following the shoreline. When free of the current swim at an angle away from the current toward the shoreline. If unable to escape by swimming, float or tread water. When the current weakens swim at an angle away from the current toward shore. Last year the Fripp Island Fire Department rescued 6 people who were being pulled off shore by rip currents.
Sand Bars
The sand bars forming just off the beach are inviting but there is nothing there worthwhile to explore. There are no shells, sand dollars or any life at all. The waste-high water between the beach and the sand bar could be over 10 feet on your return. Dangerous rip currents can also develop near these sand bars.
Swimming
Always try to swim with a companion. If swimming alone tell someone where you will be. Small children should always wear life preservers and be supervised by a responsible adult. Never swim at sunset or after dark when sharks tend to feed. Do not wear bright colored jewelry. This could attract sharks if they are in the area.
Jelly Fish & Sting Rays
If stung by a jellyfish apply denatured alcohol or meat tenderizer. The best remedy for an injury from a stingray is to put the injured area in the hottest water you can stand. Vinegar applied to the injured area is also a very effective cure.
Boating Safety
- Always carry required Coast Guard safety equipment, including flares, personal floatation devices, and a throwable life ring.
- All children age 12 or under are required to wear a life preserver on boats 16’ or under. All persons on personal watercraft (i.e., Jet Ski’s) are required to wear life preservers.
- Check the weather carefully before departing.
- Always carry a chart or map of the local area.
- Know the tides. Many boaters end up stranded because they have failed to pay attention to the tides. The height change in Fripp waters is 6’ to 11’ depending on the phase of the moon.
- Make a float plan before departing and be sure it is in the hands of someone responsible.
- Always have an operable VHF radio for contacting the Fripp Island Marina or the Coast Guard at Tybee Island on Channel 16. A cell phone is a good backup communications system. Beaufort County has the capability to track location on certain types of cell phones. Check with your cell phone service provider. If you call 911, they will contact Fripp Island Sea Rescue, Security or the Fire Department.
- Have some type of navigation equipment. GPS systems are very economical and easy to use.
- If you lose power or become disabled, drop anchor so your position can be maintained and stay with your boat until help arrives.
- Pay attention to the “no wake” areas and know who has the right of way when approaching other boats. Be sure to understand the meaning of channel markers.
- Know the local waters. If you are unfamiliar with the local area, contact one of the local certified captains. For a reasonable fee, they can provide a tour of the local waters. There is also a brochure available, “Navigation Around Fripp Island”. Contact Captain Ralph at 838-2530 for information.
- To report a marine emergency, call Fripp Island Security at 838-2334 or Beaufort County Dispatch at 911.
Content provided by Fripp Island Property Owners Association (FIPOA).