The signs of summer are abundant. Temperatures are rising, along with the humidity. Schools are letting out. Daylight is stretching into the evening hours. Families are planning weekend trips and weeklong vacations.
A favorite destination for many summer excursions is the beach, where, in addition to enjoying the sun and sand, vacationers will want to cool off with a dip in the ocean. Rip currents pose the greatest risk to ocean swimmers.
Rip currents can be dangerous and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Rip currents are stronger than they look.
Before heading into the water for a swim, check the surf zone forecast for your beach. It will include a rip current outlook with three levels:
- Low risk: Dangerous currents can still be possible near structures.
- Moderate risk: Life-threatening rip currents are possible.
- High risk: Life-threatening rip currents are likely.
When at the beach, swim at lifeguard-protected beaches whenever possible. Lifeguards perform the majority of rip current rescues. Also, ask lifeguards about conditions before entering the water. They are trained to identify hazards.
Go to the beach with a friend. Never swim alone. It’s good to have someone there to help, or to call for help if a rescue is necessary.
Here are some suggestions of what to do if you get caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm.
- Never fight the current. The National Weather Service says a rip current can move faster than an Olympic swimmer.
- Escape by swimming parallel to the shoreline or toward breaking waves, then angle back to shore.
- If you can’t escape, float or tread water until the current weakens.
- Signal for help by waving and yelling.
If you happen to see someone in trouble, alert a lifeguard immediately. If no lifeguard is present, call 911 and throw something that floats toward the person. Also, direct the person to swim parallel to shore.
It’s better to prevent an emergency in the first place. That means everybody should assume primary responsibility for their own safety. Parents and adults need to always keep their eyes on their children when they’re near the water.
Also, pay attention to flags and warning signs. Double-red flags mean an extreme hazard is present; don’t go in the water. A solid red flag means there’s a risk of high surf or a rip current; avoiding the water is recommended.
A yellow flag means moderate surf conditions are present and you should use extreme caution. A purple flag indicates that there are marine pests around, such as jellyfish, stingrays or other dangerous sea life.
Going for a swim in the ocean can be refreshing. If we use common sense and caution, our outing at the beach can be fun.