Of the 101 unguarded drowning deaths reported to the United States Lifesaving Association in 2010, almost 50 percent were caused by rip currents. Although only 25 deaths were reported at swimming locations that had lifeguards, rip currents were the culprit in 88 percent of those drownings. Each year, thousands of people experience the fear of being caught in the rip current, which form in areas where waves break near the shore. These breaking waves can flow parallel to the shore or away from it; the latter creates the dangerous rip currents that pose significant danger to amateur and experienced swimmers alike. If you're heading out to the beach, make sure you know how to swim out of these currents.
Reaching the Shore
Step 1
Concentrate on your surroundings and do not panic. Getting out of the current requires both mental focus and controlled physical effort.
Step 2
Resist the temptation to swim toward shore while still caught in the current; this is futile and will quickly tire you, making escape even more difficult.
Step 3
Choose a direction on either side of the current and start swimming parallel to the shore; some currents are narrow in width, making escape easier.
Step 4
Swim to the shoreline once you are safely out of the current.
When You Can't Swim to Shore
Step 1
Stay calm and do not try to fight the current if you are unsuccessful at swimming out of it.
Step 2
Keep yourself afloat until you drift out of the current; if something that floats happens to be near you, hold onto it for support.
Step 3
Yell or wave toward shore if you are unable to escape the current. Getting attention is vital so lifeguards can respond to you as fast as possible. Making yourself known is also important to get other swimmers' attention. While it isn't safe for them to come into the current with you, they can throw something to you to float on until you can be safely rescued by lifeguards or emergency personnel.
Tips and Warnings
- Look for on-site warning flags that notify beachgoers of the water conditions. Pay attention to typical signs of a rip current. These include water that is a different color than the rest of the ocean; a line of debris, ocean foam or seaweed heading away from the coast; and the presence of choppy water. Only swim at beaches that are lifeguard protected. Always swim with others so you can keep an eye on each other.
- Don't reply on personal judgment when assessing rip currents, especially if you are not a regular beachgoer. Talk with the lifeguards on duty when you arrive at the beach to learn more about water conditions. Being an inexperienced ocean swimmer puts you more at risk of not being able to recognize the signs of a rip current.
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