re: Dangerous water conditions on Grand Isle right now

Lots of fools trying to chase snapper in 20' bay boats too.

That gulf will eat you. Don't test it behind some fish.

Ahh, didn't know they had a name. Cool.

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usually there are news reports when someone drowns in GI.... none yet?

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Maybe it was a misunderstanding? I was on the island all weekend helping a buddy with his boat, didn't hear anything about a drowning. If someone drowned there would have been a search and radio chatter was pretty quiet all weekend.

I can't imagine we missed it but anything is possible.

I was there as well and spent a lot of time at both marinas and it seems like someone would have said something.

I was down there Memorial Day weekend and didn't go in water more than waist deep. Maybe that's why I didn't catch anything, but the current was strong.

When I was in Pensacola a few weeks ago, I helped a young black kid get back to the beach after he went too far out. It took me a few minutes to realize that he was struggling, but he kept bobbing up and down going underwater. I then proceeded to get pissed because once he made it to shore, his Mom started yelling at him and hitting him. Felt sorry for him because I know he was scared and his Mom obviously didn't offer him any comfort.

Wouldn't surprise me if he just didn't want people on the beach in front of his camp.

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I was down there Memorial Day weekend and didn't go in water more than waist deep. Maybe that's why I didn't catch anything, but the current was strong.

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must be something with the rocks then. Cause it was slick calm on monday where we stay.

Very sad stories. Swimming in an ocean/gulf is a lot different than swimming in a pool. If someone encounters a rip current the natural instinct is to panic and try to swim straight back to the beach, but fighting the current is impossible. It's important to remain calm and swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the rip. You'll then be able to swim back to the beach. The problem with the area of Grand Isle with the rock walls is that you have multiple successive rips all next to each other. Unfortunately, a lot of beach goers don't know how to handle a rip current or just how dangerous those rocks can be. Here's a link from the Red Cross with some beach safety tips. Please share.
LINK

Rip Currents
Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Beachgoers should be aware of how dangerous rip currents are, and swim only at beaches with lifeguards in the designated swimming area. Rip currents can form in any large open water area, such as low spots and breaks in sandbars, or near structures such as jetties and piers.

For your safety, be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:

-If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight the current.

-Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore.
If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.

-If you feel you can’t make it to the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.

-Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties.
Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

-If someone is in trouble in the water, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.Throw the victim something that floats – a lifejacket, cooler, inflatable ball and yell instructions on how to escape the current.

-When at the beach, check conditions before entering the water. Check to see if any warning flags are up or ask a lifeguard about water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.