GALVESTON, Texas – KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel and Photojournalist Michael Lemons took a ride with Galveston Island Beach Patrol Chief, Peter Davis on Stewart Beach. He said holiday weekends at the island typically attract between 250,000 to 500,000 people. He shared what beach patrol looks out for during a busy weekend.
“I’m looking for a bunch of things at the same time. Number one, I’m checking the water. I’m looking for a pattern out there. Someone too far out or somebody that doesn’t look like they know what they’re doing. For example, if the wave is hitting someone from the back and their hair is in their eyes, that’s just one sign,” said Davis.
Davis said a common mistake people make is ignoring the flag warnings. Monday was a yellow lag warning. Progress from the day before where a red flag day was issued. Davis said two people drowned within 24 hours since Friday. Seven people were rescued over the weekend and more than 7,000 preventative actions were taken, meaning lifeguards guided swimmers to safety without physically touching them.
A swimmer KPRC 2 spoke with on Monday said the water conditions were not too bad for swimming.
“I went pretty far out, but its pretty shallow a long way out so the kids have been safe.” Said Mary Mashunkashey.
Shatara White chose to stay closer to shore.
“Typically I would go out but not today. We are taking heed of the warning that has been given,” said White.
Davis shared how to spot a rip current in the water.
“I think its really hard to see a rip current for the most part. Unless they’re really really pronounced. Here in the upper Texas coast. The strongest ones and most prevalent ones are near a structure like a pier or jetty. You can look right there and see the water is rumbly and you won’t see waves and maybe the water is different color than the normal water and the reason the waves aren’t breaking is because that current takes sand with it and it gets deep. Waves need shallow water to break in.”
If you are caught in a rip current, Davis said try to relax and float.
“Call away for help if you’re able to but know that no current pulls you under, its just pulling you out. Then if you’re a good swimmer and you got your wits about you, you can swim parallel to shore away from that area towards breaking waves then you’ll probably be able to stand up,” said Davis.