GALVESTON, Texas — GALVESTON — Green flags were flapping in the wind Friday along the beaches Friday.
But they could turn red by the end of what’s expected to be a very busy weekend thanks to rip currents caused by Tropical Storm Barry.
“Eighty percent of our rescues happen in and around rip currents,” said Galveston Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis.
Davis expects rip currents to form as a result of winds generated by Barry’s outer bands.
“A rip current is basically a narrow rive or stream in the water and it runs perpendicular to the shore, for the most part,” said Davis. “So, it kind of pulls you out, but it doesn’t pull you under.”
People tend to panic and try and swim against rip currents.
That’s what gets them in trouble.
“The best thing to do if you’re caught in one is relax and float,” said Davis. “It’ll take you out, sideways, then to shore.”
That’s where Annie Gonzaga and her family plan to stay if the weather gets worse over the course of the weekend.
“We’re in front of the lifeguard station and there’s a green flag,” said Gonzaga. “We wouldn’t want to do it any other way.”
Barry may indirectly impact beachgoers on Galveston.
But it’s not keeping cruise ships at bay.
Sylvia Salas and nearly a dozen family members from Edinburg, Texas are glad of that.
“We double-checked with the ship and everything’s good,” said Salas. “Otherwise, they would have re-routed us somewhere else, but we’re good.”
It’s always good to check with the cruise operators to make sure things are still on time.
ALSO POPULAR ON KHOU.COM