A day at the beach isn’t complete without a dip in the ocean but water safety experts say beach goers need to beware of hazards, like rip currents.
A rip current is a narrow channel of fast-moving water that can move as quickly as eight km/h, which is faster than any human can swim. It estimates, in the United States alone, more than 100 people die each year after getting caught in these powerful currents.
Kevin Paes, Manager of Swimming and Water Safety Training for the Canadian Red Cross says when faced with a rip current, the most important thing swimmers need to remember is not to panic.
“Staying calm is really, really important because as soon as you start to panic, you expend extra energy and your chances of that situation becoming worse increases.”
Instead Paes says, swimmers should focus on keeping their head above water and swim parallel to shore.
“You don’t want to swim against the current, you always want to go with the current or parallel to shore so you won’t be pulled further out.”
Paes also advises swimmers talk to locals about any hidden hazards before hitting unknown bodies of water , always pay attention to any posted signs and never swim alone.
Other tips from the Red Cross on dealing with strong currents include:
- If you become caught in a river current or fast moving water, roll onto your back and go downstream feet first to avoid hitting obstacles head first.
- When you are out of the strongest part of the current, swim straight toward shore.
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