It happens once again...

[TBone]

Be safe out there everyone...

Man Apparently Drowns In Heavy Surf


2:10 p.m. EDT September 18, 2003 - A man apparently drowned in the heavy surf in Narragansett Thursday, News Channel 10 reported.


The man was reportedly walking with his wife and dog, when he slipped and fell into the water about noon. The victim's name and hometown were not immediately known.

Weather Team 10 and Rhode Island officials urged surfers and others to stay out of the water Thursday and Friday, when swells from Hurricane Isabel are expected to crescendo along the state's southern coast.


Despite the warning, the state Department of Environmental Management will not prohibit people from going in the water, spokeswoman Gail Mastrati said. The agency can enforce a no-swimming ban. That means local police departments will be responsible primarily to monitor surfing and other activity at beaches.

In South Kingstown, police will have patrols along popular surfing spots, such as Matunuck and Green Hill beaches.

"You know, you can't stop people," police Lt. Geoffrey Peckham said. "You can primarily recommend. And a lot of people will do it anyways."


The National Weather Service predicted swells of 9 to 14 feet by Friday afternoon in Block Island and Rhode Island sounds. Normal swells are from 1 to 3 feet. The swells are expected to be 15 to 20 feet offshore, about 20 nautical miles from coastal lines. High tide is expected at 2:32 p.m. Friday in Newport.

The waves from Isabel could produce dangerous rip currents as the rushing water exerts a powerful tug as it returns to sea, said Kim Buttrick, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Taunton, Mass.

"Even your seasoned surfers would have a hard time coming back to shore," Buttrick said.

The service posted a high surf advisory that was to begin Thursday evening. A wind advisory is in effect for New London County, Conn.

The surf could erode beaches and threaten coastal properties, even around Narragansett Bay, because the wind will be blowing the water in from the south, officials said.

Weather Team 10 expects some rain from Isabel as it passes through New York state Friday, but the main threats are from ocean surges and wind. Wind speeds are predicted to be 20 to 30 miles per hour winds, with 45 mph gusts.

State officials, including Gov. Don Carcieri, have met for days at the Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Cranston. The EMA's executive director, Al Scappaticci, said it appears damage will be limited to spotty power outages from some downed wires, but the threat doesn't appear to be worse than from a good-sized storm.

[fishweewee]

[MikeTLive]

Down in Florida before my return flight I took a quick swim on the east shore - somewhere around FtLauderdale.

The water was nice. the waves were rolling in.
I walked out a bit and enjoyed bouncing along in the waves.
I turned to look back and found that I had bounced along about a mile down the beach.

I then spent about an hour fighting a riptide to get back into shore.

Freaked the hell out of me.

The ocean is a harsh mistress.
Take care.

[likwid]

and people wonder why i love my wetsuit even to go for a swim

mmm free flotation and warmth!

i suppose my 5/4 helps when being beaten against the rocks too!

[MakoMike]

Went down to the east wall and the lighthouse last night. Man it was impressive. The waves were easily tripling the height of the wall when they broke over it. Believe it or not there was a break right off the lighthouse that was ridable. Wicked right, easily double overhead. No one was on it, in fact I didn't see anyone in the water anywhere.

[likwid]

They failed to mention that the guy and his wife were down ON the rocks just above the surf when a big swell came in and gave them both a good soaking/washed the guy out with them.

They weren't just walking on the beach.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Yeah.. He was at Black Point, not the safest place during a big surf...
'hound

[blackeye]

It's one of my favorite spots. But if you are not aware of what the ocean is capable of you do not fear it, and no fear equals no respect which brings about situations like this.

[rocketman]

My wife is a nervous wreck when I go surfcasting alone. This guy just made it worse!

[likwid]

SOSpenders and an ACR strobe/flashlight will help

spend the money
be safe

[nightfighter]

Channel 5 did a report on this tonight and was showing surfcasters working the surf, one with a nice mid 30s fish in hand. From the quick look and the hat, could that have been our Man of Ink????? Just wondering. Should be shown again at 11.

The reports aren't making my family very happy about me out on the rocks either. Got hit with a good wave today. Soaked through, down the suspenders, even with a belt. But the bite is ON up this way!!!!!!