There is finally summer in many parts of the world, which means lots of sunshine, ice cream, and cool swims. That being said, while swimming in the water is fun, it’s important to be kind to Mother Nature.
When it comes to safety, knowing what to do is very important. The more we know about the ocean and how it moves, the more we can protect ourselves from disasters.
It’s too bad that there’s still a lot of work to be done, because every year we see terrible cases of people who overestimate their skills, underestimate how unpredictable the sea is, or even don’t know how dangerous it can be to go out into the waves.
But that being said, this piece is not meant to scare people needlessly. Instead, it’s a way to teach people about swimming safety and make it safer for everyone to enjoy this summer.
It is important to know about the risks of swimming in the ocean, and rip currents are one of them.
If you get stuck in one, it can be very scary, very tiring, and even deadly, but there is a way out.
What makes a rip current happen?
If you’re going to the beach, you should learn how to spot rip currents and what to do if you get caught in one.
As the name suggests, a rip current is a strong, narrow stream of water that runs away from the shore and cuts through the lines of breaking waves.The force of these currents is so strong that they could take even the most experienced and strong swimmers out to sea.
Rip currents usually happen when a number of things come together, such as the way waves, wind, and the shape of the beach interact with each other.
Most of the time, rip currents can be seen near the beach on steeply sloped coastlines where waves break. When the waves break, they push water toward the shore, which builds up and then tries to find a way to run back out to the ocean.
How to spot a rip current
Finding a rip current can be very hard for someone who isn’t trained to do so. For me, I had never even thought about them until I read about them a few years ago.
But there are a few things you should be aware of. First, pay attention to which way the waves are going. Waves that break near the shore with a foamy, white top should be moving toward the beach.
An rip current, on the other hand, might look like a calm stretch of water in the middle of a busy shoreline, standing out from the rest of the area.
For people who aren’t used to being near the ocean, a rip current can look like a quiet, wave-free area, making it look like the best place to go swimming. Stay away from that area if you see the water beginning to split or the waves moving away from the shore. It’s very important that no one swims there. If you see someone about to go into the water or a place that looks dangerous or has rip currents, please tell them.
What to do if a rip current has you stuck
Even though we’ve talked about the warning signs and signals of rip currents, they can still be very hard to spot at times. When you’re standing on the beach or in the water, you might not always be able to tell when you’re in danger because rip currents can change quickly.
One reason we see so many cases with terrible results year after year is because of this. The sad truth is that many people have died when untrained people, like parents or good Samaritans, try to save someone.
But know that if you get caught in a rip current, there is still hope. You can do things to save your life and the lives of others.
1. First and foremost, it’s important to stay calm. Remember that you won’t be sucked underwater and don’t freak out.
2. Make a “I need help” sign with your arms and try to yell for help.
3. Don’t forget to stay afloat and swim across from the shore.
4. A rip current will take you out to sea, and going against it will only make you tired. As long as you can swim straight to the shore, you can be sure that the rip current will let go of you eventually. Hold on tight and wait for trained professionals to help you.
5. If you can get away from the current, you can swim back to the beach where you are safe. It is important to know that you do not have to be a great swimmer to get out of a rip current.
In short
It’s even more important to be careful when swimming now that it’s summer. State websites are a good way to find out about rip currents right now. For example, Florida’s website updates people on the weather of its beaches.
Getting some information and taking the right safety measures will help you enjoy a day at the beach without any worries.
Help us make sure that everyone is ready for a swim in the ocean by sharing this story on social media with everyone you know.
