SPI faces rip tides following Tropical Storm in Gulf Coast

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The aftermath of Tropical Storm Beryl in the Gulf Coast of Mexico has brought heavy waves and strong currents to South Padre Island.

Beachgoers might see red flags waving near the water, indicating heavy waves and dangerous currents.

Lieutenant Pedro Casillas with the South Padre Island Fire Department said the strong currents bring a high risk for rip tides. He said if you find yourself in a rip tide, you should stay calm and swim parallel to the ocean until you find your way out.

Paul and Radd Rotello from Frisco, Texas said they visit the island every summer, and being in the midst of hurricane season, they always make sure to watch out for rip currents.

“This is something we talk about with our kids every single year. Rip tides are always going to be something that’s a potential, especially after a hurricane rolls through so we go through the safety with our kids every time and say ‘If you find yourself caught in a riptide, don’t swim back towards the shore. Try to relax and swim out the riptide going parallel with the shoreline just to try and get out of it," Radd Rotello said.

His father Paul said they experienced rough waves on their first day on the island, but they are glad to have avoided the brunt force of Beryl.

Casillas said there are other things that beachgoers should look out for during a trip to the beach, including poisonous marine life and sand that is too hot for pets.

The South Padre Island Ocean Rescue team is patrolling the beaches to keep people safe. There are six lifeguard towers across the beaches and a mobile unit that monitors the north and south ends of the beach.