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First Rip Current Awareness Week opens in the Territory

For the first time the territory is hosting a national event called ‘Rip Current Awareness’ week (held nationally from June 1-6) which is being conducted locally by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), American Samoa Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS), TEMCO and participating partners throughout the week and ending Friday June 6.

 

The purpose of the awareness week is to inform the public about the dangers of rip currents — and how to get out of them if you find yourself in one.

 

This week is also a week to remember those who lost their lives due to rip currents and other water related accidents. On Friday evening, June 6, there will be a Floating Lantern Ceremony in Fagatogo during the closing ceremonies for the week.

 

Today, tomorrow and Thursday an ASDHS team will be visiting the community, meeting with representatives of villages, churches and schools during outreach programs on Rip Currents, ending with the Floating Lantern Ceremony at the ocean behind the Fagatogo Market Place on Friday.

 

During yesterday's opening, Acting Governor Taeaoafua Dr. Meki T. Solomona said, “We are here to extend our appreciation to all of the department heads who put this program together with the private sector, businesses and concerned citizens of this lovely island of ours, dear to our hearts. Thank you for putting this program together,” he said, adding, "this morning, we are here to salute you and to extend to you our sincere appreciation."

 

“Today, we are bringing the awareness level up here, so that the young sons and daughters of our island and those who have made American Samoa their home are aware and understand what needs to be done, if they are ever caught in a rip current,” he said.

 

According to the NOAA National Weather Service on Rip Currents website, www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov, rip currents are strong narrow currents moving away from shore. The strongest rip currents can attain speeds reaching eight feet per second, and this is faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint.

 

On average, more people die every year from rip currents than from shark attacks or lighting. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents and more that 100 people die annually from drowning in rip currents.