NWS Jacksonville » Rip Currents
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Rip Current Safety Tips |
When at the Beach • Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach. • Never swim alone. • Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. • Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out. • Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job. • Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures. • Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface. • Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing. If Caught in a Rip Current • Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. • Never fight against the current. • Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of. • Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle- away from the current- towards shore. • If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore. • If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help. Rescue Tips • Get help from a lifeguard. • If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. • Throw the rip current victim something that floats- a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball. • Yell instructions on how to escape. • Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current. |