Rip Current — Coastal Cameron, Texas

2008-06-10 · Coastal Cameron, Texas

Event narrative

A man drowned near Beach Access #6. The man ran into the water and disappeared shortly after arriving at the beach with friends. He was seen floating in the surf soon afterwards and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Wider weather episode

A recurrence of moderate longshore (southeast to northwest oriented) current, which aids a strong undertow, or perhaps a rip current, along with the continuation of fair weather with light to moderate winds, comfortable Gulf of Mexico water temperatures in the lower 80s, and plenty of sunshine each which lured larger numbers of local beach goers, increased the risk for drowning of inexperienced swimmers.

The swell period at NOAA Buoy 42020, 50 nm south of Corpus Christi, had increased to between 6 and 7 seconds - sufficient to increase the longshore current.

On June 10th, another such drowning occurred, bringing the monthly total to three.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 112406. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.