Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu

The Need to Understand Ocean Currents

Ocean

Fall has arrived and in most states throughout the country, residents are beginning to feel a chill in the air. However, Florida is one of the few places where you can enjoy a beautiful beach throughout the year and Floridians take full advantage of this aspect of living in southeast America. And yet – because Floridians can enjoy the water year-round, they also face risks that other Americans would never have to think about outside of the warm summer months. One such risk is the danger associated with tidal currents.

Recently, a Lakeland mother of six who went to Pass-a-Grille died after being caught in a tidal current. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the woman responded, along with other adults, by rushing into the water after hearing some of the children with her, including her own and the two children of a neighbor, cry out after becoming caught in the current themselves. Firefighters were able to rescue her from the Gulf but she ultimately succumbed to her injuries although all of the children she died trying to save survived.

As much as Floridians love water sports, incidents like the one at Pass-a-Grille are a reminder that Mother Nature cannot be controlled. There are, unfortunately, many tragic stories where a person ventured into the ocean in an attempt to save someone else and instead became a drowning victim.

Understanding the environment is therefore important for every person who wants to take advantage of Florida’s beautiful weather.

What is a Tidal Current?

According to the National Ocean Service, tidal currents are generated, as the name suggests, by tides when the vertical motion of tides near the shoreline makes the water move horizontally, therefore creating currents. These currents are unique in that they are affected by the different phases of the moon and are strongest when the moon is in its “full moon” and “new moon” phases. Tidal currents both “ebb” and “flow” depending on whether they are moving toward shore or back toward the sea.

Are Tidal Currents Always Dangerous? No, but Rip Currents Almost Always Are

Tidal currents can present as slow-moving waves. Rip currents, on the other hand, are narrow channels of water that form when waves of different intensity levels break on the shoreline and, in an attempt to keep the water level even, pull the large amount of water brought to shore by the waves back toward the ocean. These pockets of fast-moving water can be challenging for even the most experienced swimmers. Experts suggest that instead of fighting against the water, swim parallel to shore if your ever find yourself caught in one.

What Should You Do if You Witness a Loved One Experiencing Trouble While Swimming?

Find a lifeguard – try to only swim at beaches that have lifeguards. The United States Lifesaving Association has determined that a person’s chance of drowning at a beach with a properly certified lifeguard is only 1 in 18 million.

Contact the authorities – especially if there is no lifeguard on duty, call 9-1-1 as soon as possible so that you can get help.

Attempt a rescue if necessary – even strong swimmers can lose a battle with the ocean. If you decide to attempt a rescue, proceed carefully and try to ensure that someone is watching from the shore.

Have You Been in an Accident Off-Shore? Contact an Experienced Attorney

Some accidents in the water are tragically unavoidable. However, many are totally preventable. If you believe that you or a loved one has been injured in an off-shore incident at the fault of someone else, contact the experienced Tampa personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm today.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Fort Myers, Daytona, Jacksonville, and Bradenton areas.

Resources:

usla.org/page/Statistics

oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_currents/02tidal1.html

tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/She-dedicated-her-life-to-kids-She-lost-it-trying-to-save-them-_172682786

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
  • Previous
  • Next
 

By submitting this form I acknowledge that form submissions via this website do not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.

Florida Personal Injury Offices

Skip footer and go back to main navigation