Researcher questions impact of beach renourishment on rip currents along Gulf Coast

Crews regularly dump tons of sand onto Gulf Coast beaches to combat erosion, but a researcher said these projects may unintentionally increase rip currents, raising safety concerns. Dr. John Fletemeyer, with the International Water Safety Alliance, said drowning deaths motivate his research. "It's sickening. It's happened so many times," Fletemeyer said. "I still have sometimes many sleepless nights when I think about how somebody drowned." Beach renourishment projects, such as those on Fort Myers Beach, aim to protect the coastline from storm surge. However, Fletemeyer said the added sand creates steep surfaces that drive rip currents. "What happens when water runs up an angulated beach with high profile? It runs back at an extremely fast pace. When that happens, it usually creates a rip current," Fletemeyer said. Fletemeyer’s research found a spike in rip current-related drowning deaths following these projects. However, Professor Christopher Daly, a rip current expert with Florida Gulf Coast University's Water School, said the spike may not be directly caused by the sand. "There might be a correlation. I don't think that enough data was presented to prove that it was only related to beach enhancement because, of course, rip currents start with the wave conditions," Daly said. "We have hurricanes and that might affect our coastlines. In 2025, we had none. But in 2024, it was just a lot. There isn't a consistent, you know, production of rip currents. It really depends on what the wave conditions are." He added that rip currents are inconsistent and depend on wave conditions, comparing their variability to hurricane seasons. The Army Corps of Engineers also addressed the research, stating they have not identified evidence warranting changes to existing engineering practices or public safety protocols. "Should new, scientifically rigorous research become available, USACE would evaluate it as part of our ongoing commitment to applying the best available science to coastal project planning, design, and management. The relationship between beach nourishment, coastal morphology, and rip current formation is an area that warrants continued scientific study and evaluation," the Army Corps said in a statement. The Army Corps said researchers never sent their findings, but Fletemeyer claims he did and never received a response. "People need to get out of the office, get out of their armchairs, come out and see alternative ways, and understand exactly what's happening with beaches that are being renourished," Fletemeyer said. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.