Hundreds of people have been rescued from rip currents at popular Atlantic beach destinations, including Ocean City, Maryland, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. The remnants of Hurricane Idalia and other storms have created strong waves and currents, making it dangerous to swim in the ocean.
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| A lifeguard looks out at people swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. (Gary Hershorn / Getty Images / File) |
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from the shore. They can move swimmers quickly out to sea, even if they are strong swimmers. If you are caught in a rip current, do not try to swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, swim back to shore.
If you see someone who is caught in a rip current, call 911 or the local lifeguards. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.
Here are some tips to avoid rip currents:
- Swim at beaches with lifeguards.
- Swim in areas that are protected from the waves, such as the calm side of a jetty or pier.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and avoid swimming if there are strong waves or currents.
- Never swim alone.
The National Weather Service has issued a rip current warning for the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to New Jersey. The warning is in effect until 8 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.
Beachgoers are advised to be aware of the dangers of rip currents and to take precautions to stay safe.
What are rip currents?
Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving currents of water that flow away from the shore. They can occur at any beach, but they are most common in areas with steeply sloping beaches and/or sandbars.
Rip currents can move at speeds of up to 8 feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer. They can also drag swimmers out to sea, even if they are strong swimmers.
How to avoid rip currents
There are a few things you can do to avoid rip currents:
- Swim at beaches with lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to spot rip currents and rescue swimmers who are caught in them.
- Swim in areas that are protected from the waves, such as the calm side of a jetty or pier.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and avoid swimming if there are strong waves or currents.
- Never swim alone.
What to do if you are caught in a rip current
If you are caught in a rip current, do not panic. Panicking will only make it worse. Instead, follow these steps:
- Stay calm and try to relax.
- Do not try to swim against the current. This will only tire you out.
- Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
- Once you are out of the current, swim back to shore.
If you are unable to escape the rip current, call 911 or the local lifeguards. Do not attempt to rescue yourself or others.
What to do if you see someone caught in a rip current
If you see someone caught in a rip current, call 911 or the local lifeguards immediately. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself. Lifeguards are trained to rescue swimmers who are caught in rip currents.
You can also try to throw the person a flotation device, such as a life jacket or beach ball. However, do not put yourself in danger.
Rip currents can be dangerous, but they are also preventable. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe at the beach.
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