As summer is rapidly approaching, millions of beachgoers are heading to the coast to enjoy the waves, sun and sand for these next few months. June 4-10 is National Rip Current Awareness Week.
According to weather.gov, rip currents are fast-moving, narrow channels of water that push away from the shoreline, and can occur at any time of the year, on any given day. Check out these few tips and tricks before heading in to the ocean this summer.
Ways to Protect Yourself from a Rip Current
- Check water conditions before going in by looking at the local beach forecast
- Never swim alone
- Only swim when the lifeguards are on duty
Signs of a Rip Current
- A break in the pattern of incoming waves
- A channel of churning, choppy water
- An area with a noticeably different water color
- A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward
What to do if you are caught in a Rip Current
- Do NOT fight the current directly, swim in direction that follows the shoreline, then swim ashore
- Float or tread water until the current stops, then swim ashore
- If you are unable to reach shore, wave your arms and yell for help
Learn more about rip currents and how to avoid them here: https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent
