Rough Surf on Alabama Beaches

Alabama Gulf Shores  This may not be the best week to go to the beach swimming.  Surf's up and red flags are flying.
by Debbie Williams
Published: Tue, March 24, 2009 - 5:40 pm CST
A steady south wind is really kicking up the surf. "We tell the kids to get their feet wet and not to get too far out there" In conditions like this, the beach is not a very relaxing place for Lisa Hughbanks. "Actually we both sort of feel like we need a nerve pill cause it is a little scary."
With no lifeguards on Alabama beaches there is a real danger. Former lifeguard Nicole Held found out the hard way while on vacation. "I've actually pulled someone out in the ocean here. It's been a couple of years back. The kids got to far out and the current pulled them under."
Waves are breaking around two to four feet but it's not the waves that concerns folks as much as it is what's going on underneath them.
"If you are not a strong swimmer, days like today you are better off just staying on the beach."
Melvin Shepard is the Aquatics Coordinator with the city of Orange Beach. "We do have a very strong lateral current running to the west and those waves combined with the currents makes it very dangerous."
Unfortunately for Lisa Hughbanks, "It's been red every time we've come," conditions aren't expected to get any better for the remainder of the week.
Embed:
Email a Friend Email to a Friend   
Printer Friendly Printer Friendly
Download Video   
Translate: » Spanish | French | German | Italian | Japanese | Chinese | Russian | Hindi

Recently Commented On

Health Care Bill Clears First…

1 Total Comments
Health Care Bill Clears First Senate Hurdle Sweeping health care legislation has cleared its first hurdle… more »

Driver Loses Control Hitting…

1 Total Comments
Driver Loses Control Hitting 10 People Police are questioning a driver in Fairfield, Alabama, after… more »

WKRG Digital Signal Upgrade

3 Total Comments
WKRG Digital Signal Upgrade WKRG digital signal upgrades affect some reception for those… more »

Siran Stacy Sues Dothan 911…

6 Total Comments
Siran Stacy Sues Dothan 911 Board After Fatal Wreck Former University of Alabama football player Siran Stacy… more »

Baldwin School Closing A Possibility?

4 Total Comments
Baldwin School Closing A Possibility? Baldwin County Board of Education says more layoffs, school… more »