Improving the Safety of Beachgoers
Rip currents are powerful, channelized currents of fast-moving water nearshore. They are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the United States. NOAA’s National Ocean Service, in collaboration with National Weather Service and other stakeholders, is implementing a new Rip Current Forecast Model (RCFM) in the Weather Forecast Offices of Morehead City, North Carolina and Miami, Florida. Ocean data is needed to validate the RCFM model and expand the forecast area.
SECOORA is partnering with NOAA to collect wave observations and visual rip current observations for Emerald Isle, NC. In 2015, SECOORA will be funding a project to address these gaps and collect the absent data. SECOORA is in the process of reviewing proposals. Check back at a later date for more information.
"Strong rip currents are a significant hazard for beachgoers. Our partnership with SECOORA on this project to help validate our wave model and rip current predictions is a key step in improving our rip current forecasts." - Richard S. Bandy, Meteorologist-in-Charge, NWS, Weather Forecast Office Newport/Morehead City, NC
Rip current modeling is important to ensure the public can have a safe day to enjoy the beach.
Rip currents are powerful, channelized currents of fast-moving water nearshore. They are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the United States. NOAA’s National Ocean Service, in collaboration with National Weather Service and other stakeholders, is implementing a new Rip Current Forecast Model (RCFM) in the Weather Forecast Offices of Morehead City, North Carolina and Miami, Florida. Ocean data is needed to validate the RCFM model and expand the forecast area.
SECOORA is partnering with NOAA to collect wave observations and visual rip current observations for Emerald Isle, NC. In 2015, SECOORA will be funding a project to address these gaps and collect the absent data. SECOORA is in the process of reviewing proposals. Check back at a later date for more information.
"Strong rip currents are a significant hazard for beachgoers. Our partnership with SECOORA on this project to help validate our wave model and rip current predictions is a key step in improving our rip current forecasts." – Richard S. Bandy, Meteorologist-in-Charge, NWS, Weather Forecast Office Newport/Morehead City, NC
Rip current modeling is important to ensure the public can have a safe day to enjoy the beach.
Related news
Reimagining the Deep: BioTrack’s Quest to Map Marine Biodiversity Hotspots
Discover how the BioTrack initiative uses advanced satellite and acoustic animal tracking to map marine biodiversity hotspots and protect endangered wildlife.
SECOORA Is Ready for the 2026 Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is here and SECOORA’s resources are available to help you stay informed. From real-time buoy data and live webcam feeds to ocean gliders and storm surge models, our network of observing systems is ready to support forecasters, emergency managers, researchers, and coastal communities throughout the Southeast.
Species Spotlight: Trichodesmium
Discover the remarkable role of Trichodesmium, a microscopic cyanobacterium that helps fuel life across the ocean. In this Species Spotlight, explore how researchers supported by the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) are using imaging technology, genomics, and eDNA to better understand this “shape-shifting” organism and its influence on marine ecosystems, ocean health, and coastal economies.