Learn How to Handle Rip Currents so You Can Stay Safe at the Beach with These Tips

June 8, 2017

Find out what you need to know about rip currents so that you can stay safe at the beach.

Summer is here and it’s time to head to the beach. But before you jump in the water, it’s important to be wary of rip currents. Rip currents are strong currents that pull away from the shore. These types of currents can be extremely dangerous to beachgoers. Ensure that you’re well informed so that you’re prepared to handle a rip current for Rip Current Awareness Week. Check out these tips to help you stay safe when it comes to rip currents. Here’s what you need to know.

Check the Water Conditions.

Before you decide to head into the water, it’s important that you check the conditions of the water. Talk to the lifeguard and read the pertinent beach forecast so that you have the right information. If the risk of rip currents is high, stay out of the water.

Ensure a Lifeguard is Present. 

When taking a dip in the water, no matter if it’s a pool, lake, or ocean, it’s important that a lifeguard is present. That way if there’s a dangerous situation, a trained professional can come to the rescue. When it comes to spending time at the beach, where rip currents can occur often, it’s especially important to have a lifeguard present. Do not swim if there’s no lifeguard present.

Know What to Do in a Rip Current.

Sometimes rip currents are unavoidable. Know how to react to a rip current so that you can safely handle the situation. While getting caught in a rip current can be scary, it’s important to remain calm. Do not fight against the current, instead swim parallel to the shore so that you can exit the current and then you can proceed to swim back to shore.

When it comes to fun at the beach, ensure that you take the right safety precautions. Find out what you need to know about avoiding rip currents. Ensure that you stay safe on the shore with the right personal insurance coverage. Located in Illinois, Thomas Ward Insurance serves all your personal and commercial insurance needs. Contact us for more information.