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Rip current safety ahead of the July 4th weekend

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) is reminding beach goers ahead of the July 4th weekend to be aware of the dangers of rip currents and other beach hazards -- and to swim near a lifeguard, if at all possible. Unofficially through June 25, 55 drownings have already occurred this year from rip currents. Knowing about the dangers of rip currents and how to be prepared is essential to keep you and your family safe at the beach.

Know BEFORE you go in the water!

Check the National Weather Service forecast: Before you leave for the beach, check your local surf zone and beach hazards forecasts. You also can ask your hotel or rental agency for local sources of weather and beach forecasts. Remember that conditions can change during the day, so be sure to check for updates!

What are rip currents and how to escape them? As long as you are aware of what rip currents are and how they can impact you — including what to do if you are caught in one — you will be in a much better position to enjoy your time at the beach. Make sure your friends and family members also know what to do!

Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from the shore at beaches. A rip current can reach speeds that are faster than the best Olympic swimmers. Typically, they form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures, such as jetties and piers, and natural structures like headlands. Rip currents are common and can be found on any beach where there are breaking waves, including the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico. Take a few minutes to learn more on the NOAA Rip Current Science site.

Rip current safety

How to survive a rip current:

  • Stay calm and do not panic. Rip currents pull you away from the shore, they don’t pull you under the water.
  • Your natural instinct may be to try to swim back to shore…but DO NOT swim against the current. Trying to swim against a rip current will only exhaust your energy; energy you need to survive and escape the rip current.
  • The best way to survive a rip current is to first relax and float. If you feel you can safely swim, you may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle towards the beach.
  • If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, do whatever you can to draw attention to yourself. Face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.

How do you help someone else? Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims.

  • Get help from a lifeguard.
  • If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1, then try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline to escape.
  • If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.
  • Never enter the water without a flotation device.

Swim near lifeguards: If possible, only swim at beaches with lifeguards. The chances of drowning at a beach with lifeguards are 1 in 18 million (U.S. Lifesaving Association). When you arrive at the beach, ask the lifeguards about rip currents and other hazards, and look for designated swimming areas. If you choose to swim at beaches without a lifeguard, never swim alone. Make sure at least someone in your group has  a cell phone so you or another person can call 911 for help.

Never take your eyes off of small children: It only takes a moment for tragedy to strike and there are many distractions at the beach. Watch your children at all times, and always keep them within arm’s reach.

Know what the warning flags mean and check signs: Know what the warning flags mean. Read the beach safety signs at the entrance to the beach. Once on the beach, look for beach warning flags, often posted on or near a lifeguard's stand. These flags are there to protect you. Warning flags aren't used in all areas and their meaning can vary from area to area. Check this link from the U.S. Lifesaving Association for info on the beach you are visiting.

Be aware that swimming in an ocean is different from swimming in a pool: Swimming in a pool is not the same as swimming at a surf beach with crashing waves, winds, and dangerous currents. Changing ocean currents and winds can quickly exhaust your energy and strength. Many swimming programs now offer lessons in how to escape a rip current. According to the United State Lifeguard Association (USLA), learning how to swim is one of the best defenses against drowning.

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