Dear Editor,
Strong rip currents surrounded over two thirds of Puerto Rico this spring break season, leading to eight deaths by the end of March. These powerful rip currents, combined with a high surf, created dangerous water conditions over the past month, according to the National Weather Service: The majority of heavily trafficked tourist beaches were serviced by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, which has specialized safety patrols to help protect visitors from these hazardous conditions.
If the water seemed to be too dangerous or you were to swim out too far, they would whistle you back into shore for safety purposes.
A first-time visitor to Puerto Rico, Cassi Fromolz, recalls her experience in these intense waters.
“I could feel the water getting rougher as I accidentally went a little too far out when trying to boogie board some of the waves,” Fromolz said. “It was almost like I got sucked out a little bit, and when I got off my board, I could feel the water below me pulling me out. I was able to get back in, but didn’t have to swim much close to shore. The big waves threw me against the sand, and I was just happy to be out of the water.”
Many tourists stay in the northern part of the island where the rip currents were the worst because it’s where the airport is located, along with the rainforest and popular beaches. It was recommended to swim in the southern beaches. However, with the access given to tourists on the northern part of the island, it left many unknowing tourists in a dangerous situation. The safest places to swim are the southern beaches because they have fewer water safety concerns. Puerto Rico’s southern beaches also have a retaining rock wall, creating calmer waters and a protected area for swimmers. Although some waters may appear calm, rip currents are very strong on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, and it’s recommended to swim only at beaches where there are other people in the water. Tourists should avoid getting into the waters alone to limit safety risks.
