National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer, which means boating, beach days, and swimming in the ocean. Here are important safety tips to help you in an emergency.
As scuba divers remind themselves, “Plan your dive and dive your plan!” Having a plan is smart if you must act rapidly to save yourself or someone else!
Fast Facts
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S. and along the shores of the Great Lakes. Here on the East End, during the summer months, we have rip currents that can be treacherous if we’re not familiar with what they are, how to avoid one, but if caught in one, how to swim out of a rip current to safety.
Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer. Lifeguards rescue tens of thousands of people from rip currents in the U.S. every year, but it is estimated that 100 people are killed by rip currents annually. If caught in a rip current, don’t fight it! Swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has created a series of short videos for everyone’s safety and knowledge:
“Protect Yourself to Save Others.”
Remember to use sunscreen that doesn’t harm the ocean—marine life and ocean waters will thank you!
Have a safe and fun summer!