Swirling rip currents spark beach hazard statement for Galveston beaches

The NWS issued a Beach Hazards Statement on Wednesday morning. Keep going for a look back at Tropical Storm Cindy's impact on Galveston and Bolivar. The NWS issued a Beach Hazards Statement on Wednesday morning. Keep going for a look back at Tropical Storm Cindy's impact on Galveston and Bolivar. Photo: NWS Photo: NWS Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close Swirling rip currents spark beach hazard statement for Galveston beaches 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

Swirling waters and strong currents might be a good reason to stay out of the water in Galveston right now.

A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect Wednesday for strong rip currents, according to the National Weather Service. Currently, the hazard extends until 7 p.m., but could be pushed back later as winds pick up.

The turbulent waters could splash over onto the often-flooded area of Highway 87 near High Island during the afternoon high tide, forecasters said.

Rip currents are potentially fatal channels of water flowing away from the shore that typically start at the shoreline and extend past the line of breaking waves.

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They account for more than 80 percent of surf beach lifeguard rescues and kill at least 100 swimmers a year.

For some Galveston County beach-goers, the fresh warning brings to mind a tragedy earlier this month when Brandy Mosley died after rescuing her 4-year-old son from rough waters on a Bolivar Peninsula beach.

After snatching the boy from the waters off Crystal Beach, Mosley handed her son off to a relative who whisked him to safety. But as others shepherded the child to shore, Mosley was pulled under.

"They turned around and noticed she was not visible," Maj. Douglas Hudson of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office said at the time.

"It happened that quick. This all happened about 25 feet from shore."