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Surviving the Riptide: A Guide to Ocean Safety

“We go to the ocean yearly, but this time, we went to a new beach. Although I respect the vastness and power of the ocean, it never crossed my mind that the dangers can lie so close to the shore in shallow water. It happened so fast. The water was just past his knees, and I was in the water with full eyes on him. And even this almost wasn’t enough. The rip current pulled him so fast and without warning. I started running to him, but the depth of the water changed so quickly that I fell and started swimming. My purse kept pulling me back, so I threw it off (with passports and phone inside), swam as hard as I could, and finally got to him. It felt like slow motion…I got him to safety and then lost it. In hindsight, the signs were there, we just didn't know them. The water was “calm” where he was. It was also darker. His siblings were jumping in the waves just 15 feet away….but it swept his feet under him, and he couldn’t save himself. He screamed a gurgled scream I’ll never forget. If you've never experienced a rip current, there are signs you must know. The current can knock you off your feet, even in knee-deep water. They say you should never run in to save someone caught in a rip current. Instead, the swimmer should swim parallel to the beach in order to get out. I read an absurd amount of horrendous nightmares of adult and child drownings from the ocean. Parents and children must learn the right actions to take in this situation. You must respect the ocean…We learned a lesson that day: to check for warnings, be more aware of the signs and conditions before entering the ocean, and swim only where there is a lifeguard... and I'd encourage you to do the same. We have an incredibly beautiful world to explore, but there are risks and dangers if you're unaware. Thank G-d, we all walked off the beach that day.”

-Anonymous

The vastness and beauty of the ocean can be both captivating and treacherous. While it offers a refreshing escape from the mundane, it is crucial to be aware of potential dangers, such as riptides. A riptide, also known as a rip current, is a powerful and fast-moving channel of water that can pull even the strongest swimmers away from the shore. When caught in a riptide, it is essential to remember three key steps: stay calm, conserve energy, and swim parallel to the shore. Following these guidelines increases your chances of escaping the riptide's grip and safely returning to shore.

Stay Calm:
- When caught in a riptide, the initial reaction may be panic, but it is crucial to remain calm. Panicking can lead to exhaustion and poor decision-making. You can think clearly and take appropriate actions to escape the riptide by staying composed. For instance, take deep breaths and remind yourself that riptides are typically narrow and can be overcome with the right approach.
. Conserve Energy:
- Once you have composed yourself, it is vital to conserve your energy. Fighting against the riptide's powerful current will only exhaust you further. Instead, try to float or tread water to preserve your strength. Doing so allows you to wait for the riptide to weaken or for assistance to arrive. Remember, riptides are typically temporary and will eventually dissipate.
Swim Parallel to the Shore:
- When you have regained your composure and conserved your energy, it is time to swim parallel to the shore. Riptides are often narrow channels of water, and swimming perpendicular to them will only lead to exhaustion. By swimming parallel to the shore, you can escape the riptide's pull and gradually return to safety. Once you have successfully moved out of the riptide, you can swim back to the shore at an angle.

Finding yourself caught in a riptide can be a terrifying experience, but remaining calm, conserving energy, and swimming parallel to the shore can increase your chances of survival. It is crucial to remember that riptides are temporary and can be overcome with the right approach. Additionally, always be aware of your surroundings, check for warning signs, and swim in designated areas with lifeguards present. By following these guidelines and respecting the power of the ocean, you can enjoy its beauty while ensuring your safety.