If you've spent any time at the beach (or you're planning to), it's important to not only know what rip currents are and how to spot them, but it's critical to know how to get out of them properly. After all, rip currents can be deadly.
That said, the ocean isn't something you should avoid because of rip currents. According to Dr. Peter Wernicki, a member of the American Red Cross Science Advisory Council, while they can be hard to spot, you can sometimes see them based on how they look when compared to the rest of the tide. And then you can avoid the areas and enjoy the water without fear of getting caught.
However, if you inadvertently do find yourself in a rip current, getting safely back to shore is critical. In order to do this, Dr. Wernicki says that rather than swimming against the current, which will only cause you to waste precious energy without achieving your goal, you should swim parallel to the shore – which will deliver you back to calmer waters, where you can easily get back to safety.
For more information on rip current safety – and tips for enjoying your time in, on, and around the water – visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/beach-safety.html.
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