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Backpacker Magazine – May 2012
Survive Coastal Dangers
Waves, currents, and tides threaten thousands of miles of American trails (any within a quarter of a mile of a waterway), and hikers can get caught in the barrage. Headland-sculpting, beach-pounding waves can swallow an unwary trekker without so much as a burp. Learn how to recognize, negotiate, and avoid nearshore hazards
SPOT HIDDEN HAZARDS
Avoid these common–but hard-to-identify–nearshore and trailside dangers.
DANGER ZONE: Underwater drop-offs
HAZARDS: Waves that break twice as they reach shore may be hitting a drop-off that hides fast currents and cold water.
SAFETY TIPS: Unfasten your pack’s hipbelt while wading. If you can’t see your feet, use a trekking pole to test surfaces, and step cautiously.
DANGER ZONE: Rocky points and jetties
HAZARDS: Longshore currents, which run parallel to the beach, may bounce off of these obstacles and shoot seaward, forming a permanent rip current.
SAFETY TIPS: Swim and wade at least 100 feet away from promontories, and look toward an onshore landmark often to ensure you’re not drifting downshore or toward danger.
DANGER ZONE: Intertidal zone
HAZARDS: Slick, ankle-turning rocks, foot-trapping boulders, and shoe-sucking tideflat mud are exposed during low tide.
SAFETY TIPS: Scout intertidal zones with partners, use caution on unstable beach surfaces, and carry a trekking pole for digging or to use as a crutch.
DANGER ZONE: Surge channels
HAZARDS: These narrow canyons amplify surf. Water shoots in and out at high velocity, sweeping trees, packs, and unlucky hikers out to sea.
SAFETY TIPS: Discuss known channels and crossing strategies with a ranger before hitting the trail. When in doubt, or if tides are high, make an inland detour around the channel.
DANGER ZONE: Undertows
HAZARDS: On steep beaches, waves crest and collapse quickly and powerfully, creating a backwash that can trap you in (and under) the water.
SAFETY TIPS: Stay away from encroaching waves and above wet sand on steep beaches. Use caution crossing coastal streams, which also create undertows.
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READERS COMMENTS
Having Lived on the West Coast, East Coast and been to Hawaii and a couple of other Ocean faced places the #1 rule is...Never turn your back on the Ocean! #2. Swim with a Buddy #3. Do not attempt a swim in which you are incapable of doing in the first place. #4. Never put yourself between a High Cliff, meaning higher than you can jump and the crashing waves. A rogue wave will pound you to a bloody stump in 10 seconds or less. #5. Only experts should swim out of the view of a Life Guard Tower. #6. Stay off wet, or slippery looking or algae/sea weed rocks. Sneaker will slide as will trail boots because the slime builds up very quickly in the tread and you will be "sking", slipping, sliding, in 10 seconds or less. #7. again, Never turn your back on the ocean!
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