"...Emerald Isle rip current..."
Very glad you made it out okay. This is just a terrible year for drownings along our coast.
Almost drowned at Ft. Morgan under similar conditions. Tore muscles in my right side. I’m a good swimmer with lifeguard training. NEVER underestimate nature. It’s bigger than we are.
Yep, one of the most eye opening events for me was the first time I went swimming In Hawaii, the strength of the water was incredible, especially if all your used to is the Gulf off of Texas.
Got caught in one at Myrtle Beach back in the late ‘70s - was young and strong but couldn’t win that sort of battle - ended up ‘taking the ride’ for almost half a mile sideways before it left me in position to make it to shore.