What is a ‘rip current’?
A rip current is a specific type of water current that can occur near beaches where waves break. A rip is a strong, localized, and narrow current of water that moves directly away from the shore by cutting through the lines of breaking waves, like a river flowing out to sea. (wiki)
When you get to the beach…
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water.
- Obey all instructions/orders from lifeguards and posted signs. They are there for your wellbeing.
- Never swim alone.
- Stay at least 100 feet (30 meters) away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
If caught in a rip current…know your options
- Relax, rip currents don’t pull you under.
- Don’t swim against the current.
- You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
- You may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore.
- If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself. If you need help, yell and wave for assistance.
If you see someone in trouble…
Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims.
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1,
- then try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline to escape.
- If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.
- Never enter the water without a flotation device.
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