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STAY CALM!
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Never panic. Try to
float by lying on your back and by treading
water. It’s important to remember that it’s
easier to float than it is to remain
perpendicular.
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Don’t fight the
current by trying to swim against it. If
necessary, ride it out. Remember, the strength
and energy of a rip current will eventually
dissipate.
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Swim parallel or at
an angle to shore until you feel the current
weakening. |
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Once the current
weakens, swim toward shore in a relaxed manner
while trying to breathe normally and not
hyperventilate. |
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If lifeguards are
visible, wave your arms and yell for help. |
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Rip currents are sometimes
difficult to spot. However, with the aid of some
basic information and a little practice, even a lay
person can learn how to identify and avoid being
caught in a rip current. Some of the rip current
indicators include the following: |
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Choppy or “excited” water
that is located in a channel. |
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Flotsam (debris) usually
moving away from the beach. |
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Discolored or murky water
allowing for the identification of a distinct
channel (neck) that terminates offshore. |
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Look for the nearest
lifeguard to get help. |
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If a lifeguard is not
immediately available, dial 911. |
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Look for a flotation
device, i.e. a lifesaving ring at a nearby
swimming pool, raft, basketball, cooler, etc.
Wade to knee deep water and toss flotation
device to victim. Try to throw object in front
of swimmer. Don’t toss object behind or to the
side of victim. |
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Look for a reaching
object, e.g. rope, pole, or a long tree branch
and use to reach victim. |
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Look for other
individuals and form a human chain, but only
attempt this maneuver with competent and
experienced swimmers. |
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Attempt a swimming
rescue only as a last resort and only if you are
a strong and experience swimmer with confidence
in your rescuing abilities. |
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