00:00The most dangerous wave at the beach may arrive when the ocean looks calm.
00:04Sneaker waves, sometimes called sleeper waves, are unusually powerful waves that suddenly surge much farther up the beach than the
00:12waves before them.
00:13What makes them especially dangerous is the timing.
00:16They can arrive after 10 or even 20 minutes of smaller, gentler waves just when beachgoers begin to feel safe.
00:22A sneaker wave can knock you off your feet and drag you into cold water.
00:25It can also lift and roll massive driftwood logs, turning them into deadly hazards.
00:30These waves are often caused by large storms far away, transferring energy across vast areas.
00:36These are more common when there are long gaps of 15 seconds or more between wave crests.
00:41Before heading to the beach, check the surf, tide, and beach hazard forecasts.
00:45Stay farther from the water than you think is necessary and keep children close and avoid logs near the waterline.
00:51Never turn your back on the ocean because one quiet stretch can end with a wave you never saw coming.
Comments