Beach Safety

 

Become Aware of Rip Currents and Learning how to Avoid them...

Rips are strong currents of water that can sweep swimmers, surfers and other beach users out of their depth and into danger.  Rips are generally more powerful in larger surf. They are generated by the surf or the rise and fall of the tide as water, which is trying to find its own level, moves around, over or against the many features and objects that are found on our beaches and around our coastlines. It is difficult to see a rip, but they can be found between sandbanks, against groins, piers and man made features, close to rocks, headlands, streams and in river estuaries.

The first reaction for anybody caught in a rip and being swept out to sea is to try and swim or paddle straight back in against the rip. This is a mistake because it’s difficult to swim against a rip and it will only make you tired and reduce your ability to reach safety. Here are a few tips to remember if ever you feel you are caught in a rip and you’re struggling to get back to the shore.

The most important thing is to remain calm and try not to panic.     

•    If you’re on a surfboard, body board or inflatable, stay with it, it’s an important buoyancy aid.     

•    Never try and swim or paddle directly against the current to try and reach the shore, try swimming or paddling at 90 degrees to the direction of the rip until you feel you’re out of the rip and then make your way towards the shore.     

•    If you’re tired and feel that you can’t make it back to shore, signal to someone on the shore by raising one arm above your head and shouting for help.     

•    Never be afraid to ask surfers with surfboards for help, or make others aware that you are in difficulty so that they can undertake measures to raise the alarm by informing suitably experienced and qualified people to affect a rescue.     

•    If you can stand up, try to wade rather than swimming. If you are on a beach and see someone in difficulty never put yourself in danger by attempting a rescue, always summon a suitably qualified lifeguard or call the Coastguard by phoning 999 or 112.