‘Rip currents can be killers’: What beachgoers need to know
Rip currents are dangerous and potentially life-threatening for beachgoers — and can be more dangerous than sharks.
"Rip currents can be killers," a webpage on rip currents provided by Manchester-by-the-Sea reads. "The United States Lifesaving Association estimates that the annual number of deaths due to rip currents on our nation's beaches exceeds 100. Rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards."
Rip current warnings are often issued by the National Weather Service in order to warn people of the added danger.
"Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the National Weather Service wrote in a statement warning about the high risk of rip currents.
Rip currents don't pull people under the water. That's a myth, the Manchester-by-the-Sea website explained. Instead, they pull people away from shore. People then can drown because they are unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore.
"This may be due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or lack of swimming skills," the website reads.
They can be more dangerous than sharks, Senior Fisheries Scientist at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Gregory Skomal said. A 2016 Texas A&M University study said rip currents claim 10 times more lives than deaths from shark attacks each year.
Rip currents move at speeds of up to eight feet per second and are are prevalent along the East, Gulf and West coasts of the U.S.
The National Weather Service suggests always swimming near a lifeguard.
"If caught in a rip current, relax and float," the weather service said. "Don't swim against the current."
Here are some tips if you are swimming where rip currents are possible.
-
Never swim alone.
-
Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don't go out!
-
Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.
-
Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
-
If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
-
Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
-
If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
-
If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.
-
If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
More weather
Read the original article on MassLive .
