With the sun, soft sand, and calming sounds of the water, a beach vacation is frequently a person’s ideal getaway. However, when enjoying the beach and water, safety must come first. Some people may not be aware of the risks connected to square waves, even though most people are familiar with ideas like rip currents and shifting tides.
Square waves, sometimes referred to as “cross seas,” happen when two wave sets collide and create a checkerboard-like grid pattern. When a windsea and a swell, or two distinct swell systems, coexist, this phenomena occurs. Square waves are very uncommon, but when they do occur, they are usually found close to the coast.
Particularly dangerous are these square waves for swimmers and boaters. They may cause waves up to ten feet high and change the direction of the wind, making it challenging to navigate. Even though it’s rare, it’s important to know what to do if you ever find yourself in a square wave.
Square wave riders may not notice the grid-like pattern right away, but they will probably encounter bigger swells and the difficulty of swimming against two opposing currents. In a circumstance like this, it’s best to stay as close to the beach as possible. It’s advisable to get out of the water as soon as the circumstances worsen if the waves are too big.
It is safer to stay in the shallower seas since square waves are more likely to cause problems for boats and ships that are closer to the coast. When the weather and ocean conditions improve, it’s advisable to stay on the beach or have a quick swim in the shallow water if you’re there. Prioritizing safety above everything else is important when enjoying the beach and water.
To assist protect your family’s and friends’ safety when visiting the beach, kindly forward this information to them.