Rip Current Fatality?

[ricki]

Few kiters seem to have problems with rip currents. Some surfers even use them for transport offshore to catch waves. The real problems seem to come to non-watermen, infrequent beach goers, poor swimmers, well intended rescuers who are drowned in the attempt, kids and the elderly. The following from the USLA is posted for them and folks that want to help in these emergencies.

"How to Avoid and Survive Rip Currents

Learn how to swim!

Never swim alone.

Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!

Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.

Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.

If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim 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: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.

If you see someone in trouble, 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 and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

More at: http://www.usla.org/?page=RIPCURRENTS




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