Erin’s storm surge packs punch

After a week of rain, wind and clouds in the Cape Region that forced multiple restrictions of ocean activities, the sunny skies and seasonal temperatures expected over the next few days will be a welcome change. However, local beach patrols are urging beachgoers to remain vigilant when entering the ocean, because strong waves and rip currents are still likely to be part of the mix.

It’s going to be delightful weather, but the ocean is probably not going to be inviting, said Dewey Beach Patrol Capt. Todd Fritchman.

Winds will die down over the weekend, but they’re still expected to be coming in from the northeast at around 15 mph, said Fritchman. There may be restrictions in place, but those will be made through observations on a daily basis, he said.

Rehoboth Beach Patrol Capt. Jeff Giles said he is also expecting rough surf through the weekend. It should be getting better, but it will also be a day-to-day determination, because strong rip tides are expected to continue for some time, he said.

“We’ll send the lifeguards out there in the morning to see what it feels like, and then we’ll go from there,” said Giles. “If you’re going to try and swim, this is when it’s important to go to a guarded beach and [stay] near a lifeguard, because this is the time of summer when patrols begin losing guards who are going back to school.”

The morning of Aug. 21, the wind was blowing in from Hurricane Erin and a light mist was in the air, but people were still out on the beach.

Wrapped in a towel and facing south, Liz Alimi was sitting on the beach in Dewey. She had come from Washington, D.C., and was in town for about 48 hours to celebrate her 29th birthday. She was determined to get some beach time in.

It’s OK, said Alimi about the weather. It’s the yin and yang of Mother Nature, she said. 

In Rehoboth, Joe Brenner was standing near the water, taking in the ocean’s power. Making the trip from Silver Spring, Md., he’s been in town all week and expects to leave this weekend. He comes to Rehoboth every year, he said.

“Yesterday was nice and Sunday was perfect,” said Brenner.

Dan Vanderslice and Bill Arupinsky were standing on the Rehoboth Avenue side of the old Dolle’s Candyland building, just sheltered from the whipping winds coming down the Boardwalk. It was a position of experience.

This spot stays dry in the wind and there’s a little afternoon sun, said Arupinsky. And if the wind is blowing in the another direction, they just move around the corner.

“We’re out here in the winter, too,” added Vanderslice.

The National Weather Service issued multiple hazardous weather advisories earlier in the week that remain in effect through much of the weekend: A rip current statement and a high surf advisory are both in effect until 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22; a wind advisory is in effect until midnight Friday, Aug. 22; and a coastal flood warning is in effect until 2 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23.

What to do if caught in a rip current

The United States Lifesaving Association has information on what swimmers should do if caught in a rip current, which moves perpendicular to shore and can be very strong:

• Relax – rip currents don’t pull a person underwater

• Don’t swim against the current

• Swim out of the current, then to shore

• If unable to escape the current, float or tread water

• If help is needed, yell or wave for assistance.