In light of the tragic drowning death of former NFL player Ryan Mallett and the recent increase in drownings at Panama City Beach in Florida, Fox News Digital sought the expertise of water safety professionals to share tips on preventing beach trips from ending in tragedy. These experts provided a range of advice and insights, including the following:
1. Pay attention to warnings upon arriving at the beach: It is crucial to check the beach conditions upon arrival. Flags are used to indicate safety conditions, with a yellow flag signaling the presence of rip currents and a red flag indicating the presence of dangerous rip currents. Rip currents account for 80% of ocean lifeguard interventions.
2. Swim in the presence of lifeguards: Lifeguards are trained to spot rip currents and perform rescues. It is recommended to swim in areas where lifeguards are present and to follow their instructions. Attempting to rescue someone from a rip current without professional training can be extremely dangerous.
3. Remember that calm water is not always safe: A seemingly calm patch of water could actually be a deadly rip current. Rip currents form between sandbars or near structures and cliffs. These currents create a channel that pulls water back out to sea. It is important to be aware of the signs of rip currents.
4. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore then work your way in: When caught in a rip current, it is crucial not to fight against the flow of water. Instead, swim parallel to the shore to escape the channel and then either float or swim back in toward the shore.
5. Remain calm and float on your back: If stuck in a rip current, it is important to stay calm and float on your back. The rip current will not pull you under, but it will pull you further away from shore. While floating, it is recommended to raise both arms to signal for help.
6. Know that flotation devices don’t always help: Although flotation devices can help you stay afloat, they should not be solely relied upon to escape a rip current. It is essential to follow warning flags and the presence of lifeguards.
7. Stay alert near bodies of water: Before visiting any body of water, it is important to research and understand the conditions of the location to ensure everyone’s safety, especially when children are involved. Drowning is the leading cause of death for young children, so adult supervision without distractions is crucial.
8. Keep the beach clean: After finishing a beach trip, it is important to leave the area better than you found it. Litter can pose a hazard to both humans and marine life, so it is important to clean up after yourself and your family.
By following these expert tips, beachgoers can enhance their safety and reduce the risk of drownings. It is essential to prioritize water safety and be aware of the potential dangers posed by rip currents.
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