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You’re at the beach enjoying some fun in the sun with family and friends when suddenly there’s a rip current threat. Here are a few steps to take in order to not get caught in one:

Ease worries by talking with the lifeguard: If you’re unsure about the current status of the waters, talking to a lifeguard or beach patrol will give you a better understanding of the water’s conditions. They are trained to detect dangerous currents and waves and will assure you if the water is safe enough to swim.
Know where life rings or flotation device stations are: These stations have life saving flotation devices, like life rings, to throw to a struggling victim to help pull them back to shore. These devices will also keep the person afloat until rescue arrives. If you cannot find a station or life ring, the next best thing is to throw a floating object, like an ice chest, to the victim so they can stay afloat. If there’s also a rope nearby as well, this too can help pull a victim to shore.
Always go with a group and make sure someone stays on shore: Going with a group of people in the water gives you a better chance at surviving a rip current. If someone is having a problem, someone else can signal a life guard or people on the beach for help. Also, having a friend monitor on shore means they can call someone for help in the event of an emergency, either a life guard or 911 if there’s no lifeguard present. Ideally, the magic number of people to go to the beach with is 4. Two people can be out swimming, one monitoring the swimmers on the beach and one ready to take lifesaving action if needed.
Similarly, always swim with your children: This way, you can quickly help save your child if they get caught in a rip current. Ideally though, have someone on shore still monitor you and your children in the event a lifeguard or emergency services are needed.

Remember how to spot a rip current as well. The flat water between breaking waves is actually the rip current itself and not a calm, safe space to swim. Think of a rip current as a river flowing away from the beach and stopping just beyond breaking waves within the surf zone.

These extra steps can help save you or your child’s life when at the beach. Annually, rip currents take the lives of 100 people and this action plan will help you not be one of them.

Source: weather.gov

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Rip Current Prep at the Beach