Rip tides are long, narrow bands of water that can pull swimmers away from the shore.While some researchers recommend floating to the end of the current, organizations such as the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration advise swimmers to parallel the shore to escape.It's important to stay calm and avoid swimming against the current.If you can't break free, yell and wave your arms to get the attention of a lifeguard.
Step 1: Keep calm.
Don't worry if you get caught in a rip current.If you stay calm, you will have a better chance of escaping the situation.It is possible to conserve energy and think clearly by keeping your cool.
Step 2: If you aren't a strong swimmer, call for help.
Escape involves swimming parallel to the shore to cross the current's edge.If you can't swim, call for help and wave your arms in the air to get the attention of a lifeguard.You should be able to escape and swim back to shore at an angle away from the current if you know how to swim.If you have doubts about your ability to break free of the current, call and wave for help.
Step 3: You can float.
Fight the current and swim back to shore.That is the most dangerous thing you could do.Keep your head above water until the current has weakened and you can swim through it.rip currents can be 50 to 100 yards from shore.You will have an easier time swimming out of the current once it stops.The strongest swimmers can not fight the rip current.Trying to swim against it can lead to exhaustion.
Step 4: To escape the current, swim parallel to the shore.
Rip currents are between 30 and 100 feet wide.The current's edge is indicated by the nearest breaking waves.If you want to swim toward the waves, be sure to move parallel to the shore.
Step 5: After you're out of the current, swim to the shore.
You can return to shore at an angle away from the current once you are out of it.You can't reenter the rip current if you swim away from it.At a 90-degree angle to the beach, rip currents form around jetties and other structures.If you are near a structure, swim away from it.Stop and float to rest if necessary.If you can no longer swim, call for help and wave your arms.
Step 6: It's a good idea to avoid areas before entering the water.
It is possible to avoid getting caught in a rip current by checking for signs.Even if you don't see any warning signs, use caution because it's not always possible to identify a rip current.There are subtle signs of a rip current.While you're in the water, a rip current could form.
Step 7: You can check the shoreline from an elevated position.
Look at the area where the waves meet the sand when you first get to the beach.A high spot, like a dune or boardwalk, has the best view.It is easier to spot a rip current from an elevated position.It's easier to spot signs of a rip current with sunglasses on.Without the sun's glare, you might be able to see signs such as a gap in wave patterns or debris being carried out to sea.
Step 8: There are gaps in the wave patterns.
Check for areas with no white foam or waves that break.There are no gaps between the wave and the one behind it.The horizontal wave line has gaps that indicate rip currents.Try to find images of rip currents.A gap in the wave pattern is a good indicator.
Step 9: seaweed and foam are being carried away from the shore.
Waves carry foam, seaweed, and other debris towards the sand.Instead of bobbing up and down or moving toward the shore, look for a channel of objects moving out to sea.It may look like a river flowing away from the shore.The water within a rip current may be discolored.The current picked up the sediments.
Step 10: If you suspect a rip current has formed, avoid the area.
If you see signs of a rip current, don't go in the water.It is helpful to check in with the nearest lifeguard just in case.Ask them if there are any warnings about hazardous conditions on the beach.Even if you don't see any signs of a rip current, keep your guard up.They are difficult to spot, and a rip current may be present even if you don't see any indicators.
Step 11: Only when the lifeguard is on duty can you swim.
Don't swim alone on guarded beaches.If there are any warnings about rip currents or other hazardous conditions, go swimming in the water in front of a lifeguard stand.Don't set up your blanket or chairs in front of the stand if you swim near a lifeguard stand.A clear path to the water is needed by the lifeguard.Don't go in deeper than your waist if you go swimming on an unguarded beach.It's a good idea to bring a floatation device with you.
Step 12: Before you go in the water, make sure your local beach forecast is accurate.
There are flags on the beach that indicate potentially dangerous ocean conditions.If you don't know what a flag means, ask a lifeguard.You can check your local beach forecast if you live in the United States.
Step 13: If the weather is nice, use caution.
Rip currents can form even in calm conditions, even though strong winds can make waves choppier.Key factors include the shape of the ocean bottom, sandbars, and structures.At low tide, rip currents are more likely to form.
Step 14: Don't try to save someone caught in a rip current.
Only trained emergency responders should attempt a rescue.Emergency services should yell out instructions to the person caught in the current if there is no lifeguard present.Stay calm!Don't fight the current.Try to find an object that floats and throw it to the person caught in the current.If you don't have rescue equipment, such as a life jacket or ring buoy, a surfboard, boogie board, cooler, or foam noodle, you can make your own floatation devices.