"Rip Tide" was created to educate the public about rip currents which have threatened Oak Island's beaches. Rip Tide grew from a concept to a physical entity with the help of a lot of volunteers over several months.
Jim Nelson enlarged the measurements from the original artwork of contest winner Evan Till to build Rip Tide's framework.
Once the framework was built, it was taken to a room at the Island Resort, where the door had to be dismantled to get it inside!!
Rip Tide slowly came to life as Henrietta Williams, Langhorne Canning and Pat Brunell stuffed and clothed 'him'.
The framework for Rip Tide's head was transformed by the daughter-in-law of the Nelsons in Pottstown, Pa.
Returning to Oak Island, both parts were united, thus Rip Tide was born !
Rip Tide is available for public appearances and currently resides at the Oak Island Recreation Center.
