It's beach season which means it's time to break out your swimsuits and sunblock.
The beach is a universally happy place, but that doesn't mean that there aren't dangers lurking in the sand and surf.
The ocean is both beautiful and dangerous. Perhaps that's part of the allure, but in order to enjoy the big blue, you'd better be prepared.
Of course packing a beach bag with all of the right equipment is important. It's important to remember towels, sunscreen, and a good book, maybe even some aloe, just in case. After all, you have to be prepared for everything.
However, there is one thing that you can't pack that will keep you and your family safe — the ability to know how to get out of a riptide.
There are plenty of currents to be aware of, but a riptide is an easy one to get caught in, and an even easier one to survive — if you know what to do.
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
What Is A Rip Current?
According to NOAA, a rip current is a narrow channel of water that runs perpendicular to the shore or beach.
It is a current strong enough to pull even the strongest of swimmers away from shore at an extremely high speed.
Why Are They Dangerous?
Being pulled away from shore and into deeper water against your will is certainly scary. However, that is not why riptides are dangerous.
They are dangerous because people often try to swim against the strong current back to shore, and put themselves at risk of drowning in the process.
What Does A Rip Current Look Like From Shore?
A rip current can be spotted from shore pretty easily if you know what you're looking for!
Often you may notice that there is a gap between where the waves are breaking towards shore.
According to the University of Delaware's Sea Grant Program, this space may be filled with foamy water or just appear to be calm.
This is where the riptide is occurring. The waves do not break in this area because the rip current is pulling the water out in the opposite direction and interfering.
What Does It Feel Like In The Water?
You may not even notice that you are being pulled by a rip current until it's too late.
That is to say that you may be playing in the waves one minute, and the next you're being sucked out to sea.
You will feel a lack on control almost like you are in a (very strong) lazy river.
How Do You Get Out?
The most important thing to do is to stay calm. A rip current will never carry you out to the middle of the ocean, but rather to where the waves swell before it is shallow enough to break.
If the current is weak enough and you are a strong enough swimmer, attempt to escape the current by swimming in the direction following the shoreline.
Whatever you do, do not swim directly against the current, this is what puts you at drowning risk.
How Should You React First?
If possible, you should dig your feet in the sand and signal for help from those on shore.
Note: Sand is always a good anchor. For instance, if you are diving under a large incoming wave, grab the sand underneath to avoid feeling like you're stuck in a washing machine.
How Do You Swim Away From A Riptide?
Again, the best way to swim away from a riptide if the current isn't too strong is to swim parallel to the beach.
Eventually, you should break free from the current.
When that happens, change your trajectory, and swim at an angle towards the beach.
What Do You Do If It Drags You Out Farther?
If the current is too strong, don't stress. It is scary to feel like you're being pulled out to sea, but the riptide will disperse behind where the waves start breaking.
The best thing to do is literally go with the flow. Float with on your back with your face up so you can breathe.
The current will eventually weaken and stop, and you can let the waves bring you back into shore.
Fun fact: Surfers actually use riptides so they can save energy and have a break from paddling instead of fighting the breaking waves.
How Do You Avoid Riptides?
The best thing you can do to avoid rip tides is to swim between the flags put in place by lifeguards. They know what they're doing!
Otherwise, avoid bad weather which usually corresponds with strong currents.
Make sure to follow beach warnings, and to not be too much of a risk taker if you're not sure what you're doing!
Be sure to SHARE this useful information with your friends and family before hitting the beach!
