HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20160527_RipTides.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Diane Schleicher, City Manager
For immediate release (912) 786-4573
Winds May Cause Rip Tides at Tybee Island This Weekend
Tybee Island, GA – (May 27, 2016) Due to the possibly of rip currents and strong surf conditions associated with the expected low pressure system this weekend, officials with the City
of Tybee Island are urging all beachgoers to pay attention to the lifeguard flag colors and only swim in guarded areas. Yellow flags mean the conditions are optimal for the development
of rip currents and larger than normal waves. Red flags mean rip currents have been observed and all swimmers should avoid the water until conditions improve. The U.S. Lifesaving
Association reports 80% of all beach rescues are related to rip currents. If you get caught in a rip current, don't panic. Swim parallel to shore, until you are out of the rip and
then swim towards shore. For the latest water conditions you may contact Tybee Island Ocean Rescue at (912) 786-9873 or www.noaa.gov.
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches,
and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation activities abound for visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee
Post Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs.
Attracting a strong artistic community, there are several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate Fest,
the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Hot Rod Run, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as well as fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off
the Walter W. Parker Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs,
and making sure hatchlings make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.
org/.
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