Health Tip: Escaping Rip Currents
(HealthDay News) -- Most beach rescues performed by lifeguards are caused by rip currents -- strong currents that can pull swimmers under, says the American Red Cross.
Rip currents can form in any large open area and can be dangerous.
To escape a rip current, the Red Cross offers advice:
- Stay calm and don't fight it.
- Either float or swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
- Turn and swim to shore.
- If you can't make it to shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.
If someone else is caught in a rip current, get help from a lifeguard or call 911 immediately.
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