May 24-31 is Beach Safety Week

May 24-31 is Beach Safety Week.

The National Weather Service, National Life Saving Association, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Sea Grant are teaming up on the production of new rip currents warning signs and informational brochures to be distributed in 2004 -- see Water Safety and Rip Currents.

Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.

Conditions that may produce rip currents include:
- unusual coppiness and breaking waves
- discolored water and sand turning over
- debris and foam moving out into the lake