The National Weather Service issued an updated rip current statement at 3:35 a.m. on Wednesday valid for Wednesday between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. for Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.
The weather service describes, “Dangerous rip currents expected.”
“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” comments the weather service. “Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”
Caught in a rip: How to stay safe
Rip currents, swift channels of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches, can turn a day at the beach into a dangerous situation. Understanding how to respond when caught in one is crucial. The weather service offers these life-saving tips:
1. Keep your cool – they won’t drag you under:
- Don’t panic – rip currents won’t pull you underwater.
2. Go with the flow, but not toward the beach:
- Trying to swim directly toward the beach when caught in a rip current is futile and exhausting. The current is too strong. Instead, swim parallel to the shore and away from the rip current’s grip.
3. Call for help if necessary:
- If you feel you can’t reach shore, relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help.
4. Seek lifeguarded beaches for added safety:
- Whenever feasible, choose beaches with lifeguards on duty. Their trained eyes and rapid response can be a lifesaver in water emergencies.
5. Never swim alone on unguarded beaches:
- If you choose to swim at beaches without lifeguards, make it a rule never to swim solo. Always bring a friend, and ensure that person has a cell phone to call 911 in case of an emergency.
With these insights into rip currents and how to react, you can enhance your safety when enjoying the beach. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your well-being while relishing the surf.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
