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Rip currents kill more than 100 every year, U.S. Lifesaving Association says

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Every year, more than 100 people drown after falling victim to rip currents on U.S. beaches, the U.S. Lifesaving Association said.

One person died in Central Florida over the weekend and another was close to death after being pulled from the water, officials said.

Both incidents were blamed on rip currents, which account for about 80 percent of all beach rescues, the USLA said.

The National Weather Service reported a high risk of rip currents for Central Florida beaches, Monday.

A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving belt of water that can pull swimmers away from shore, the USLA said.

Normally, rip currents travel between 1-2 feet per second, but strong currents can top 8 feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint, the organization said.

“Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea,” the USLA said on its website.

On myth about rip currents is they pull their victims underwater, they actually pull people away from shore, the USLA said.

“Drowning deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore,” the USLA website said.

Instead of fighting the current head on, swimmers should swim to the right or left of it, along the shoreline, until they are free of the current, the organization said.

If someone is unable to sidestep the current, swimmers should float or calmly tread water until they are free of the current, the USLA said.

Along with the swimmers who die while trapped in a rip current, many people drown while trying to save someone else, the organization said.

Rip currents can be difficult to spot from the ground, but there are telltale signs, the organization said.

Clues include:

  • A channel of churning, choppy water
  • An area having a notable difference in water color
  • A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily out to sea
  • A break in the incoming wave pattern

Stay safe from rip currents by following a few basic steps:

  • 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 911 . Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape.

Cox Media Group

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