from storms or weather systems, meaning the beach can sometimes experience significant wave activity even when the sky above appears relatively calm. NOAA notes that storms far from the coast can still contribute to dangerous waves and currents at beaches.
That’s why looking only at the sky isn’t enough when deciding whether the ocean is safe.
Before swimming, check the local beach forecast, warning flags, surf conditions, and lifeguard recommendations.
How Can You Recognize a Cross Sea?
The most obvious clue is the crisscrossing pattern.
Instead of seeing waves moving in mostly one direction, you’ll notice wave crests traveling across one another at different angles.
From an elevated viewpoint, the pattern can resemble:
- A checkerboard
- A grid
- Intersecting lines
- Repeating diamond or square shapes
- Waves arriving from noticeably different directions
The pattern may be easier to recognize from a higher viewpoint than from directly beside the water.
However, you don’t
There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.
