When venturing out into the ocean, there are a lot of things to be aware of. Many people are mostly focused on avoiding jellyfish and watching for that ominous dorsal fin poking through the water. However, there is a much more likely culprit that you could encounter, a rip current. Many people forget to be on the lookout for this fast-moving water, and the results can be deadly. Recently, officials at Falmouth beach issued a rip current warning after several unsuspecting teens were swept out to sea.
Officials Issue Rip Current Warning After Several Teens Swept Out To Sea
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In case you are unfamiliar, a rip current is a channel of fast-moving water that moves from the beach back out to sea. While they may not always look threatening, they can wreak havoc on your day, and potentially your life. OceanService shared that rip currents can move "at speeds of up to eight feet per second." To give you a visual, that is "faster than an Olympic swimmer."
Panicked and unsuspecting swimmers typically try to fight against the current and swim back to shore. This is usually to their own detriment. The BBC shared that recently, several teens got whisked away by a rip current at Falmouth beach. Fortunately for them, "three Gyllyngvase Surf Lifesaving Club Members helped rescue five young people" caught in the current.
Life Guard Matthew Stone spoke with the outlet and shared his support of this epic rescue. Additionally, he shared that Gyllyngvase had " a particularly strong rip current" and that beachgoers should "avoid entering the water in this area under those conditions." After the incident, officials announced a rip current warning so others were aware of the dangerous circumstances.
What To Do If You Are Caught In A Rip Current
The best way to stay safe when it comes to rip currents is to be knowledgeable and prepared. Lack of preparation and panic often lead to unwanted consequences. First, try to learn how to spot rip currents so you can stay clear of them. Think Waves shared that "The best way to spot rips is to first look for breaking waves. Rip currents are located between or alongside breaking waves."
Additionally, Think Waves shares tips for how to successfully escape a rip current if you are ever trapped in one. They write, "It should be noted that there is only one way to escape rip currents, and that is for a swimmer to use the push of waves to get back to shore." Here are three steps for how to accomplish that task:
- Swim parallel to the beach
- Float and let the rip current take you
- Swim with the current in the direction of the nearest waves
You don't need to wait for an official rip current warning to be prepared. When venturing out into the ocean, it is always best to be alert and aware of your surroundings, as it could save your life.
