Is there any bad rip currents on the PDC area beaches right now?

acelesson · 02-27-2006

Im curious if I should watch out for these when I am on the beach. I know it can be bad on the Pacific side, but how is it on the Carribean side?

tommy · 02-28-2006

depends on the day...sometimes yes and sometimes slightly...I got caught in one in Paamul and had to swim under water for about 80 yds...spooky since I was all alone...

sunrlb · 02-28-2006

Ok - now I'm freaked out about letting my little ones swim. What if I only let them go waist high? Is the tide still pretty strong at that depth? They are 4 and 6.

**Anna** · 02-28-2006

It's nothing like on the Pacific side. In fact, I've never felt a strong undertow in Playa - doesn't mean it never happens, just that it's not a big problem. At all. I wouldn't hesitate a minute to let my kids swim in the ocean here - supervised, of course.

krazy4playa · 02-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunrlb

Ok - now I'm freaked out about letting my little ones swim. What if I only let them go waist high? Is the tide still pretty strong at that depth? They are 4 and 6.

4 and 6? They probably aren't tall enough to get far enough out to get caught in one. I grew up on the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama coast has a lot more than Playa. As a matter of fact I've been to Playa 12, 13 times over the last 8 years and I have never experienced being in one. Just remember if you get caught in one don't panic turn and swim parralel to the beach to swim out of it. They are typically not very large 20 to 30 feet wide. Once you've swam out turn toward the beach and swim in.

sunrlb · 02-28-2006

Whew.....thanks. It sure is a lot more stressful planning a vacation that includes your kids so much to think/worry about.

acelesson · 02-28-2006

Yup, all you have to do is swim parallel passed the break in the sandbar. It can be pretty frightning though because the water moves at 5MPH or more...

krazy4playa · 02-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by acelesson

Yup, all you have to do is swim parallel passed the break in the sandbar. It can be pretty frightning though because the water moves at 5MPH or more...

The current off the shelf between Playa and Cozumel is between 9 knots and 13. It is very swift. Not that you would be out that far unless SCUBA diving. Which if you are not paying attention you will find yourself surfacing quite a ways from your party. In these situations there is usually another dive bout around that will bring you back to your party.

not a member · 02-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazy4playa

4 and 6? They probably aren't tall enough to get far enough out to get caught in one. I grew up on the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama coast has a lot more than Playa. As a matter of fact I've been to Playa 12, 13 times over the last 8 years and I have never experienced being in one. Just remember if you get caught in one don't panic turn and swim parralel to the beach to swim out of it. They are typically not very large 20 to 30 feet wide. Once you've swam out turn toward the beach and swim in.

Wow, that is pretty interesting. I would have thought that you would have to try and swim under it as Tommy said or swim further away from the beach to avoid it. I am glad this topic came up!

Tommygurl · 02-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunrlb

Ok - now I'm freaked out about letting my little ones swim. What if I only let them go waist high? Is the tide still pretty strong at that depth? They are 4 and 6.

There were quite a few kids that age swimming & having a great time when we were there. We are bringing our 3 & 6 year olds next time...We will bring their life jackets of course & they won't be swimming alone so I am not worried in the least. Most times they like to hang out at shore & build in the sand anyway...

Melissa

acelesson · 02-28-2006

http://science.howstuffworks.com/rip-current.htm

Good info on how they work...for all the n00bies that dont really understand them...

**james** · 02-28-2006

I've never experienced a rip current in Playa. Side-shore currents, yes. Rip, never.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommy

depends on the day...sometimes yes and sometimes slightly...I got caught in one in Paamul and had to swim under water for about 80 yds...spooky since I was all alone...

???

I think Tommy was under the influence of something.

cop0251 · 02-28-2006

I didnt notice them too bad in PDC recently but the last few times we were up in Cun they were terrible. I considere myself a pretty good swimmer was really tossed around.

vivamex · 02-28-2006

Swimming 80 yds. under water would require super natural abilities.
He must have been chasing a mermaid!!

sctx · 02-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivamex

Swimming 80 yds. under water would require super natural abilities.
He must have been chasing a mermaid!!

i'm with james on this one......Tommy swimming underwater would be 8.0 yards max :p

02-27-2006	#1 (permalink)
acelesson into ruins Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: West Saint Paul, MN Posts: 78	Is there any bad rip currents on the PDC area beaches right now? Im curious if I should watch out for these when I am on the beach. I know it can be bad on the Pacific side, but how is it on the Carribean side?

02-28-2006	#2 (permalink)
tommy Rastaman Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Austin Tx Posts: 12,845	depends on the day...sometimes yes and sometimes slightly...I got caught in one in Paamul and had to swim under water for about 80 yds...spooky since I was all alone...

02-28-2006	#3 (permalink)
sunrlb beachaholic Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 466	Ok - now I'm freaked out about letting my little ones swim. What if I only let them go waist high? Is the tide still pretty strong at that depth? They are 4 and 6.

02-28-2006	#4 (permalink)
Anna top babe admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: after 10 wonderful years in Playa, now back in Sweden Posts: 3,718	It's nothing like on the Pacific side. In fact, I've never felt a strong undertow in Playa - doesn't mean it never happens, just that it's not a big problem. At all. I wouldn't hesitate a minute to let my kids swim in the ocean here - supervised, of course.

02-28-2006	#6 (permalink)
sunrlb beachaholic Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 466	Whew.....thanks. It sure is a lot more stressful planning a vacation that includes your kids so much to think/worry about.

02-28-2006	#7 (permalink)
acelesson into ruins Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: West Saint Paul, MN Posts: 78	Yup, all you have to do is swim parallel passed the break in the sandbar. It can be pretty frightning though because the water moves at 5MPH or more...

02-28-2006	#11 (permalink)
acelesson into ruins Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: West Saint Paul, MN Posts: 78	http://science.howstuffworks.com/rip-current.htm Good info on how they work...for all the n00bies that dont really understand them...

02-28-2006	#13 (permalink)
cop0251 ruined Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 95	I didnt notice them too bad in PDC recently but the last few times we were up in Cun they were terrible. I considere myself a pretty good swimmer was really tossed around.

02-28-2006	#14 (permalink)
vivamex beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 378	Swimming 80 yds. under water would require super natural abilities. He must have been chasing a mermaid!!

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