When swimming at the beach, rip currents are, by far, the most dangerous of hazards. Rip currents are formed when water is channeled from the beach out to the sea. Basically, they are jet-like, seaward directed pulls. These currents can form whenever there are breaking waves and are difficult to determine. Rip currents can even exist under pleasant conditions.
How to Identify a Rip Current
Rip currents do have certain characteristics that, despite not being readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer, can be identified. Avoiding these surf hazards is key so always look for any of the following signs which may indicate that rip currents are present:
- a channel of churning or choppy water (like the surface of a hot tub)
- an area where the water is distinctly different in color (blue to brown)
- a line of foam, seaweed or other debris leading out to sea(think ‘the trail behind the Love Boat’)
- a break in the wave pattern
It’s worth noting that identifying rip currents, to the untrained eye, is easier said than done however the National Weather Service has advised that polarized sunglasses facilitate identifying certain conditions of rip currents.
Preventive measures should come foremost so it should go without saying, but avoid swimming when rip current advisories are in effect. Heed those flag warnings even if the conditions are beautiful. Unfortunately, rip currents can exist in the water undetected from the shore. On Sofla/SoBe beaches, it’s very common to have distant storms impact currents causing dangerous conditions even with no other signs of inclement weather present. Also, swim only when protected. Swim only on beaches when a lifeguard is present and always verify surf conditions. Remember, sunny skies don’t necessarily mean calm currents.
Always swim accompanied, never alone. Not only will a friend notice your absence immediately, but they can help rescue you or call for assistance. Make sure to keep careful watch of inexperienced swimmers, children and the elderly.
How to Survive a Rip Current:
If you do find yourself caught in a rip current, stay calm- it really can be the reason you survive. You may not recognize that you are caught in a rip current until, without warning, you are farther away from the shore than you expected. Here is where most people freak out, start fighting the current, become tired and subsequently drown. Relax. Try to use minimal energy. Rather than swimming against the current, swim perpendicular to it or parallel to the shoreline. Using landmarks to verify you’re out of the current, once out, turn and swim towards the shore.
If you don’t think you can make it out of the rip current or find yourself losing strength, don’t fight. Remember, you want to avoid exhaustion at all costs. Try to float or tread water lightly until you are out of the current. Here again, once out, swim towards the shore.
Should you be too tired to swim towards shore, stop and face the beach. Wave your hands and arms and yell loudly to attract attention to yourself.
Don’t Try This at Home Kids.
- If you happen upon someone in trouble, get lifeguard assistance or call 9-1-1 immediately if a lifeguard is unavailable. Do not attempt to assist the victim. Leave this to the trained professional and stop trying to be David Hasselhoff! Tragically, many people drown while trying to rescue others from a rip current after getting caught themselves. Shout instructions to the victim on how to escape the rip current and wait for assistance to arrive. I know it sounds pathetic, but the goal here is to avoid any other unnecessary additions to a victim log.
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