A rip current is an offshore flow of water that forms when waves break on the shore. Rip currents can be very strong and can carry people offshore in seconds. They are a leading cause of drowning at sea. Rip currents are more common in severe weather conditions, such as heavy seas or high winds. They also form on beaches with strong coastal currents. If you’re in a rip current, don’t swim against the current. This will only make you more tired. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you get out of the current. If you can’t get out of the current on your own, raise your arm and call for help. The lifeguards will be able to help you. Here are some tips on how to avoid rip currents:
- Swim in areas supervised by lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to recognize and warn swimmers of rip currents.
- Stay away from areas where waves crash ashore. Rip currents are more common in these areas.
- If you’re in a rip current, don’t swim against the current. This will only make you more tired. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you get out of the current.
- If you can’t get out of the current on your own, raise your arm and call for help. The lifeguards will be able to help you.
Here are some additional tips:
- Don’t swim alone. Swimming with a friend or family member will give you more confidence.
- Be aware of the weather conditions. Rip currents are more common in severe weather conditions, such as heavy seas or high winds.
- Know your limits. Don’t swim too far from shore or for too long.
Follow these tips and you can reduce your risk of getting caught in a rip current.
#sea #bathers #risacca current #waves
