The ocean really is a magical place don’t you think? It’s beautiful in every way. Yet, that beauty can bring dismay if warning signs are ignored.
What is a Rip Current
Let’s discuss a topic that locals know all too well, and we want our guests to be educated in order to stay safe when enjoying their time on our beautiful beaches. The topic at hand is rip currents. Rip currents are not to be confused with an undertow. The difference is that a rip current is a surface current that carries its victims further out to sea, whereas, an undertow is a short-lived, sub-surface surge of water associated with wave action.
Rip currents can occur at any time of year and day. The best thing to do is always look at the flags on the beach. The flags are there to protect you and make you aware of what is going on in our beautiful ocean. Our favorite flag is the green flag.
What to Look for To Avoid a Rip Current
As we mentioned earlier, you should look at the flags and if you see a red flag, it is highly suggested for you to not get in the water, as dangerous conditions are active. If you are curious what a rip current looks like, we included a picture. Some of our guests are fascinated by the behavior of the ocean, and one of those behaviors is a rip current and they don’t even know it. A rip current creates a break in the water. You will notice a large space that seems to break up a wave set. That void is the rip current. If you see that, stay out of the water and work on your tan or build a sandcastle that day.
If you find yourself in a rip current, remember, don’t panic and follow these steps to get yourself and anyone else that is with you back to safety.
How to Get Out of A Rip Current
- Be able to understand and identify a rip current.
- Always remain calm
-If you struggle, you will wear yourself out, and get tired quickly.
- Call for help at any given time if you are uncomfortable or may be a poor swimmer
-Don’t be afraid to yell for help, even if you are a good swimmer.
- Always remember to swim parallel to the shore to escape the current
- Conserve your energy when it’s necessary – the object is to stay afloat and calm
-If you start to get tired, try floating for a while then proceed. Remember your objective is to keep your head above water and get out of the current.
- Swim diagonally towards the shore, never go straight forward or backwards
-It’s the only way to break free, and ultimately escape the current.
Rip currents are known to turn a fun day into a horrific day when the swimmer doesn’t know what to do. Even the best swimmers of the world are no match for a rip current and even those that grew up around the ocean have been caught in these currents. They make it out by staying calm, swimming parallel to the beach and looking for the waves to help bring them back in safely. Also, you will want to always yell for help. There is no shame in doing so. We’ve seen a surfer or two get caught in a current and yell for help. They know what to do to get out of it, but they could get tired making their way back in and look for that extra help to get back in safely.
Going to the beach is an all-time favorite of our guests and we want to ensure that each and everyone one of them is safe while enjoying the pure pleasures of being at the beach. Don’t let the risks scare you. Respect the ocean and be aware of the risks and have a great time.