This is Viewpoints Explained…
Summer’s not over yet, and if you plan to sneak in a few more beach trips and ocean swims, there’s one hazard you should be aware of: rip currents. These powerful flows of water happen mostly along ocean shorelines, and in some cases, the great lakes, where waves consistently break on shore. Rip currents form when water gets funneled back out to sea through a narrow channel. This creates a fast-moving current that can sweep swimmers far from shore in just a few minutes.
People often confuse rip currents with rip tides. They sound similar, but they’re completely different. A rip tide involves the actual movement of the tides – the natural rise and fall of ocean water. They usually happen near bays, inlets or rivers where the water surges in or out during high or low tide. If you’re at a regular beach and hear a warning, it’s almost always about rip currents. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that about a hundred people die from rip currents each year in the U.S. They’re also responsible for almost 80 percent of beach rescues, according to the U.S. Livesaving Association.
The biggest mistake swimmers make is they panic and try to go against the current. The most important tip is to stay calm and conserve energy. Rip currents don’t pull you under the water but pull you out away from land. If you find yourself in this situation, swim parallel to the shore to get out of the path of the current. Once you’re out, swim back to land at an angle.
Always check for any advisories before heading out to the beach. Weather forecasts and local lifeguard stations often flag rip current notices in advance. Beach days are meant to be carefree, but a little knowledge goes a long way when the ocean changes course.
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