Being Prepared for a Rip Current

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

What a rip current looks like

Here we are heading rapidly towards July, the most popular beach going month for sand and surf lovers in the Northeast. Here are SERVPRO of White Plains, we all love the cool breeze and crashing waves on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. What don’t we love? We don’t love biting in to sand in our sandwiches and we don’t love when seagulls steal food from our blankets and beach bags.

What we really don’t love is a Rip Current. We see signs warning us about rip currents.  These can be deadly if you don’t know what to do if you are caught in one. Not deadly because you will be pulled under or dragged out to sea. Deadly because you can become so exhausted trying to swim into shore you can then drown.

You probably should know what a rip current is, so that you can try and stay calm and remember some tips on how to navigate a rip current.  

We usually think of waves as washing stuff onto the beach—seaweed, shells and other ocean debris. But sometimes the waves hit the beach in a certain way to create a current that flows away from the beach. This is a rip current. You can often see a rip current from the beach. It looks like a smoother area of water with no waves breaking. 

Never try to swim against a rip current.   

Swim parallel to the shore and you will usually swim out of it.  

Don’t panic. Try and remain calm.  

Try and alert some one that you need help without tiring yourself out.  

Don’t swim alone or in an area without a lift guard 

When you get to the beach ask a life guard if they see any rip currents 

A little bit of knowledge and caution can help make your beach day memorable this summer. Wear your sun screen and enjoy your beach days!!