Lab struggles in very strong currents

Deception Pass is a strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Washington. It connects Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A group of sailors led by Joseph Whidbey, part of the Vancouver Expedition, found and mapped Deception Pass on June 7, 1792. George Vancouver gave it the name "Deception" because it had misled him into thinking Whidbey Island was a peninsula. Deception Pass is a dramatic seascape where the tidal flow and whirlpools beneath the twin bridges connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island move quickly. During ebb and flood tide current speed reaches about 8 knots (9.2 mph), flowing in opposite directions between ebb and flood. This swift current can lead to standing waves, large whirlpools, and roiling eddies. This swift current phenomenon can be viewed from the twin bridges' pedestrian walkways or from the trail leading below the larger south bridge from the parking lot on the Whidbey Island side. Boats can be seen waiting on either side of the pass for the current to stop or change direction before going through. Thrill-seeking kayakers go there during large tide changes to surf the standing waves and brave the class 2 and 3 rapid conditions. The following video shows just how fast and strong the currents run here, and that it is definitely not a safe place to be in the water during flood and ebb. One visitor makes a potentially huge error releasing his Labrador into these waters. Luckily for this owner his dog was a great swimmer as all Lab’s are. Thankfully all ended well but the beach going visitors nearby were definately feeling the pup’s struggles. The owner received a tongue lashing from a couple women that watched the whole intense minute. Bad decision on the owners part, but a happy ending on a beautiful day. Always remember, think before your actions !