The official beginning of summer was June 20, but the weather here in the Lowcountry feels like it began a bit earlier. With summer officially here, people will be headed to the beach for sun and fun, but don’t forget to be safe when you hit the beach.
According to the United States Lifesaving Association, it is estimated that rip currents account for approximately 100 drownings per year. Here are some tips for spotting and surviving if you get caught in a rip current.
The noaa.gov website says signs of a present rip current can be difficult to spot, but knowing what to look for can help. Some signs are:
“A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water flanked by areas of breading waves and whitewater.
A channel of churning/choppy water that is distinct from surrounding water.
A difference in water color, such as an area of muddy-appearing water (which occurs from sediment and sand being carried away from the beach).
A consistent area of foam or seaweed being carried through the surf.
You may be able to observe the water flowing away from the beach with stronger rip currents.
When in doubt, ask a lifeguard if they have observed any rip currents.
If you do find yourself in a rip current, the National Weather Service gives advice to survive the event.
Relax. Rip currents don’t pull you under.
A rip current is a natural treadmill that travels an average speed of 1-2 feet per second, but has been measured as fast as 8 feet per second -- faster than an Olympic swimmer. Trying to swim against a rip current will only use up your energy; energy you need to survive and escape the rip current.
Do NOT try to swim directly into to shore. Swim along the shoreline until you escape the current’s pull. When free from the pull of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
If you feel you can’t reach shore, relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help. Remember: If in doubt, don’t go out!
If at all possible, only swim at beaches with lifeguards.
If you choose to swim on beaches without a lifeguard, never swim alone. Take a friend and have that person take a cell phone so that person can call 911 for help.
