Rip Currents
A
high percentage of incidents are caused by rip currents, or more
usually called Rips. So what is a Rip?....
 A rip is a large amount of water running out to sea.
It usually occurs when there are sets of large waves coming in
which means there is a build up of water, and the shape of the
sand on the beach causes it to be channelled in to a narrow
route for it's return to the sea.
This will give the effect of a river of water running out to sea,
and it will try to drag anyone along who is caught in it.
Rips normally fade out fairly quickly within the break or just
beyond, but the danger to swimmers is that they will panic and
try to fight against the rip. They will get tired very quickly
and could easily find themselves having trouble keeping afloat
and inhaling water.
If you are caught in a Rip, the best way to help yourself is;
Don’t
panic!
If you are a strong swimmer, swim at an angle of 45 degrees across
the rip current, towards the beach.
If
you are tired or a weaker swimmer, go with the Rip and then swim
parallel to the shore for 30 to 40 meters to where the waves
are breaking and come straight
back to shore.
Remember,
if you are struggling and feel you are in trouble - RAISE ONE
ARM FROM THE WATER AND WAVE TO GET THE ATTENTION
OF THE LIFEGUARDS...
They will see you, and they will come and help you...
How to spot a Rip.
You could see;-
- murky sandy coloured water, caused by sand stirred up off the
sea bed,
- foam on the surface going out beyond the break,
- a rippled look, on a calm day, when the water around is generally
flatter,
- waves breaking further out on both sides of a rip on a day with
bigger surf,
- darker colour of sea, indicating deep water,
-
debris (or people) floating out to sea,
This
picture is a good example of a typical rip current - waves
on both sides and the current flowing out.
Can you see the swimmer on the edge of the rip?
If you see these features, just keep away to stay safe.
Swim where the lifeguards show it is safe to swim -
 Between
the Red and Yellow Flags!
|
