Intense beach season fatalities due to dangerous rip currents; specialists provide their opinions on the matter
In the heart of summer, many people flock to beaches to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. However, one danger that often lurks beneath the waves is the powerful and potentially dangerous force known as rip currents. These strong currents can pull swimmers out to sea, making it difficult to return to the shore.
According to Stewart Leonard, president of a grocery store chain, the key when finding oneself in a rip current is to remain calm, conserve energy, and swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the current. Then, head in at an angle. Experts consistently advise against trying to swim directly back to shore against the current, as this can lead to exhaustion and increased danger.
Instead, it's crucial to stay calm and float or tread water to conserve energy. Swimming parallel to the shore helps move you sideways out of the current’s grip without exhausting you by swimming directly against the flow. Once you escape the current's pull, you can then swim back to shore safely.
If you cannot swim out of the current, try to draw attention by waving your arms and calling for help. It's also essential to be aware of your surroundings and swim near lifeguards, never swimming alone. Experts recommend avoiding the water during rough or windy conditions.
Rip currents are responsible for 81.9% of rescues on surf beaches, and it's possible that more than 100 fatal drownings per year occur due to them. They form at low spots or breaks in sandbars as well as near structures such as jetties and piers. Rip currents can be identified by narrow gaps of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater, choppy water, differences in watercolor, and a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.
Tragically, several incidents of drowning due to rip currents have been reported this year, including Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Eric Cespedes in South Padre Island, Texas, and actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner in Costa Rica. These incidents underscore the importance of understanding the risks associated with rip currents and following expert advice to stay safe.
Chris Brewster, of the United States Lifesaving Association, recommends against attempting to rescue others in rip currents, but suggests using a floatation device if one does. Parents should be conscious of their children while at the beach, similar to having a designated driver when you drink, having a designated watcher when kids are swimming, and putting your phone down so you aren't distracted while the kids are in the water.
By staying informed, swimming responsibly, and following expert advice, beachgoers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer at the beach. Remember, when in a rip current, the key is to stay calm, conserve energy, swim parallel to the shore, and signal for help if needed.
- To stay healthy while embracing a beach lifestyle during summer, it's important to understand the science behind rip currents, as they can pose a significant danger.
- Health-and-wellness experts suggest that if you find yourself caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore to escape its grip, then head back to the shore at an angle.
- Incorporating sports activities in your summer beach routine can be enjoyable, but remembering to avoid the water during rough conditions and always swimming near lifeguards can contribute to a safe lifestyle when dealing with potentially dangerous rip currents.
