Sad Rip Current Story

It’s a sad story that is oft repeated unfortunately. A Pelham woman drowned on Friday while trying to rescue a young child that was struggling in the surf at Orange Beach. The child drowned as well.

Here are some rip current safety rules from the National Weather Service.

When at the beach:

* Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
* Never swim alone.
* Learn how to swim in the surf. It’s not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
* Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out.
* Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
* Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
* Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
* Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

If caught in a rip current:

* Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
* Never fight against the current.
* Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
* Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle–away from the current–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 by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don’t become a victim too:

* 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–a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
* Yell instructions on how to escape.
* Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Category: Pre-November 2010 Posts