How to avoid and survice Rip Currents?

Stay safe while at the beach. Do you know what a rip current looks like? We have probably all seen them and weren't aware of the danger. When you see waves and then a small section of "flat" waves in between, that's a rip current. The water is moving in the opposite direction. Stay clear of these areas.

HOW TO AVOID AND SURVIVE RIP CURRENTS?

Rip currents are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second. However, speeds as high as 8 feet per second have been measured; this is faster than an Olympic swimmer. Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. The following tips will help you play at safe.


WHEN AT THE BEACH:

Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.

Never swim alone.

Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.

Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don#'t go out!

Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.

Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.

Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean's surface.

Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

IF CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT:

Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

Never fight the current.

Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, of which you need to step to the side.

Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline.

When out of the current, swim at an angle -- away from the current -- towards shore.

If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.

If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
Get help from a lifeguard.

If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.

Throw the rip current victim something that floats -- a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.

Yell instructions on how to escape.

Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.


Source: National Weather Service