This time of year is always one of celebration- we are so happy to welcome the summer season here at the Jersey Shore! There is always one relentless tragedy though that stalks our shores and that’s rip currents.
Every summer, we lose several people to the rip because they don’t know how to recognize it or even worse, how to swim safely out of it. Here are some tips from The Red Cross that every visitor to ANY shore should know:
Rip Currents
Rip currents are responsible for most rescues performed by lifeguards, rip currents can form in any large open water area (including the Great Lakes), such as low spots and breaks in sandbars, or near structures such as jetties and piers.
How to Escape from a Rip Current
- If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight it.
- Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, turn and swim to shore.
- Alternately, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head to shore.
- If you can’t make it to shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.
- If someone is in trouble in the water, get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
- Throw the victim something that floats – such as a lifejacket, cooler or inflatable ball – and yell instructions on how to escape the current. Do not attempt a rescue yourself unless you are a trained beach lifeguard.