Going to the coast? Beware of sneaker waves

(JANUARY 14, 2019) The Oregon coast is beautiful. Sometimes it is dangerous, too. In fact, sometimes it is dangerous even if you are only walking on the beach. Why? Because sometimes "sneaker waves" can easily surprise you.

Sneaker waves are common along the Oregon coast. They're called sneaker waves because they sneak up on you and appear without warning. These waves are very large. They also carry a lot of sand.

Sneaker waves can be dangerous because they surprise people. The large and sudden wave of water can knock people over. It can also pull people out to sea. In Oregon, sneaker wave accidents generally occur between October and April. 21 people have been killed since 1990. Others have been injured.

"These waves become dangerous when beachgoers are in or near the waterline, and expect that the gentle spilling waves they have been experiencing will continue," says Victoria Hansen. She works for the U.S. Coast Guard. She says, "The sneaker wave will quickly travel further up the beach than expected, and may sweep people off their feet and pull them back into the surf."

Hansen says the best way to stay safe is to stay alert. Never turn your back on the ocean. Stay near children. If the water catches you, focus on keeping your head above water. If the water catches someone else, don't try to go after them. Instead, call 911 and maintain visual contact with the other person.