Of all the articles we’ve posted on the JFB website, this one is by far the most important. It could literally save your life.
On average, up and down the East Coast, 16 ocean swimmers drown in rip currents every year. Most of them are tourists visiting the beach from landlocked locations and may not be familiar with rip currents.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer.
What typically happens is swimmers go into the ocean, not very far offshore, and suddenly find themselves being dragged further and further from land. Someone who is not aware of what is happening will try to fight the rip current and swim against it, just wearing themselves out.
The weekend of June 18 to June 22 was one of the most dangerous times for rip currents ever recorded in New Hanover County. Fortunately, no one drowned, but in those four days, lifeguards made 164 rescues, with 95 of them coming from Carolina Beach alone. So far, six people have died this year after being caught in a rip current; all six were vacationing in Florida.
So, if you are planning on visiting the beach this summer, here is what you need to know:
Safety Tips for Avoiding and Surviving Rip Currents
- Stay Informed: Check the local beach forecast and rip current warnings before you swim.
- Swim Near Lifeguards: Always swim at beaches with lifeguards on duty.
- Understand Rip Currents: Learn to recognize the signs of rip currents, such as a gap in breaking waves or a channel of churning, choppy water.
- Don’t Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy and make sure someone on the shore knows where you are.
- Don’t Panic: If caught in a rip current, remain calm.
- Don’t Fight the Current: Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back to the beach at an angle.
- Float or Tread Water: If you can’t escape, float or tread water until you’re out of the current and then head back to shore.
- Signal for Help: If you can’t reach the shore, wave your arms and yell for help.
- Heed Warnings: Always obey posted signs and flags indicating water conditions.
Stay safe and enjoy your time at the beach!