How to Safely Navigate Rip Currents and Swim Safely in the Ocean
California residents are fortunate to have access to the Pacific Ocean and the beaches of the west coast, but anyone planning on swimming in the ocean needs to do so safely. The dangerous conditions in the ocean can trap even the strongest swimmer.
Recently, a 46-year old man died off the coast of Ocean Breach, and the circumstances of his death show us several warning signs to avoid when swimming in the ocean. This story is so tragic because it was so preventable. The man entered the water in the evening after the lifeguards had left for the day. He also swam alone. The water itself posed several challenges for rescuers, as the surf was strong and rip currents made the rescue difficult.
This incident was a tragedy, but it provides some crucial tips on how to stay safe while swimming in the ocean.
Never Swim Alone
Even if you’re an Olympic-level swimmer, it’s never a good idea to swim by yourself. Public beaches are a great place to swim, and lifeguards are on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers. Most beaches will post flags indicating safe zones to swim and will recall swimmers who venture too far from the shore.
Always swim with others. Even if you take a trip to the beach by yourself to enjoy the ocean, make sure you’re in a visible area lifeguards are monitoring.
Don’t Swim at Night
Dipping your toes in the surf under the stars can be relaxing, but diving into the water at night is never a good idea. The decreased visibility makes it especially dangerous should you require rescue and responders cannot see you. Aquatic predators such as sharks are also much more active at nighttime. Always swim with others, and do so during the day when you can be easily spotted in case of an emergency.
Learn About Rip Currents
Rip currents, or riptides, are strong currents of water that move quickly away from the shoreline. A swimmer that enters a rip current can quickly be pushed out to sea. If you find yourself in such a situation, keep these tips in mind:
The first thing you need to do when you realize you’re in a rip current is to stay calm. As with any dangerous situation, panicking will only make things worse. Stay calm to conserve energy, and get your bearings.
Riptides typically move toward the openings in the sandbar and will lose intensity once you reach this point. Don’t try to swim against the current – this will only cause you to tire yourself out and make your situation more perilous.
Swim parallel to the shore. Eventually, you’ll escape from the rip current and conserve energy by moving parallel to the beach instead of trying to fight the rip current.
Once you no longer feel the pull of the rip current, start making your way to the shore line.
If you start to tire out or keep being pulled farther out to sea, conserve your energy and try to get the attention of the lifeguards and people on the shore. Wave your arms and yell for help, and hopefully you’ll be noticed quickly.
Rip currents are extremely hazardous water conditions and can happen without warning. They can be very difficult to spot as well. Sometimes you may notice a patch of water that’s a different color or a stream of seaweed moving swiftly in a line out to sea. Those are warning signs of a rip current, but remember that they may not always be visible. Rip currents can be very powerful and catch even the best swimmers by surprise.