NEVER SWIM WHERE THERE ARE NO LIFE GUARDS
Common Ocean Hazards here in the Rockaways. If you are ever in doubt about safety issues on a particular beach, ask a Lifeguard for information on where to swim and how to avoid the riptides.
How Rip Currents Work
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We found further advice available from watersafety.org.uk.
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Rip Currents
Mistakenly called "undertow" or "rip tides", rip currents form when water, which has been pushed forward by waves, rapidly returns seaward by way of a river-like current. They are the cause of most ocean rescues. To get out of one, swim parallel to shore until you get out of the seaward flowing current (usually
about 50 yards).
Shallow Water Accidents
When playing in the surf be especially aware of water depth. Water that is 6' deep in the "impact zone" at high tide may be as little as 3' deep at a lower tide. Experienced swimmers, surfers and body surfers know how deep the water is under the waves they ride and don't allow themselves to be thrown "over the
falls" into the bottom. Collisions like that may cause serious injury - even paralysis and death. NEVER run and dive into the ocean - you never know how deep the water is until you check it!
Breaking Waves
Breaking waves, or "surf", can range from a placid 1 foot to near 15 feet and can change in size very quickly. Even small waves can pack quite a punch if you aren't prepared and are in the "imact zone". The "impact zone" is the place where the waves break and should be avoided. If you are caught in the
"imapct zone" you can avoid being hit directly by the breaking wave by going in or out and diving toward the bottom when the waves approach you. Dive with your hands outstretched so that your head doesn't hit the bottom - that can cause serious back or neck injuries.
Inshore Holes
Inshore holes are deep holes that run parallel and near to the shore and are caused by currents. While people may be standing in knee deep water a short distance from shore, inshore holes can cause you to drop in over your head just a few steps away from the beach. They are especially prevalent at high tide where the wet sand is steep
and gravelly. Parents!...watch your children. A waist deep hole for you may be overhead for your child.
Swimming Safety Tips of the American Red Cross
- Learn to swim. Contact your local Red Cross to inquire about courses.
- Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
- Know your swimming limits, and stay within them. Don’t try to keep up with a stronger skilled swimmer
or encourage others to keep up with you.
- Keep an eye on weaker swimmers. If they appear tired, encourage them to rest on land.
- Alcohol and swimming don’t mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination. It affects your swimming and diving skills and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
- Obey "No Diving" signs, which indicate the area is unsafe for headfirst entries. Enter feet first into water, rather than headfirst, if you don’t know the depth. In addition, learn the correct way to dive from a qualified instructor.
- Watch out for the "dangerous too’s"
too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
- Swim in supervised areas only.
- Do not chew gum or eat while you swim; you could easily choke.
- Use common sense about swimming after eating. In general, you do not have to wait an hour after eating before you may safely swim. However, if you have had a large meal, it is wise to let digestion get started before doing strenuous activity such as swimming.
- Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies.
- Remember CHECK-CALL-CARE:
- CHECK the scene to ensure it’s safe, and CHECK the victim
- CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number
- CARE for the person until help arrives
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| UF RESEARCH: RIP CURRENTS MAY HANG AROUND FOR WEEKS, MONTHS |
| Learn How To Stay Safe in a Hurricane Guide to ocean swimming Hypothermia |
Rip Currents
 Rip currents are the most threatening natural hazard along our coast. They pull victims away from the beach. The United States Lifesaving Association has found that 80% of the rescues effected by ocean
lifeguards involve saving those caught in rip currents.
A rip current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water on shore creating seaward pressure. This pressure is released in an area with the least amount of resistance which is usually the deepest point along the ocean floor. Rip currents also exist in
areas where the strength of the waves are weakened by objects such as rock jetties, piers, natural reefs, and even large groups of bathers. Rip currents often look like muddy rivers flowing away from shore.
Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called "rip tides" or "undertows." These are misnomers. Rip currents are not directly associated with tides and they do not pull people under.
Try to avoid swimming where rip currents are present, but if you become caught in a one, swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then swim back to shore. If you are unable to return to the beach, tread water and wave for lifeguard assistance.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Rip currents often exist along the side of fixed objects in the water.
Be aware of ocean conditions. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water.
Encourages Rip Tide Awareness
The Coast Guard warns the public to be cautious of rip tides and the weather conditions that cause them after five people along North Carolina’s Outer Banks became rip tide victims Monday. One person died and another was seriously injured. The other three were recovered safely.
Rip tides are strong and narrow underwater currents that start from shore and flow hundreds of feet away from the beach. These swift currents can drag swimmers, and even those just wading in the water, out toward sea. Rip tides are normally formed when winds are blowing from the sea toward the beach. If these conditions exist, take
precautions. Ask local authorities about rip conditions and swim when there are lifeguards.
Rip tide activity is expected to continue throughout summer.
For more information, contact Coast Guard Public Affairs at (757) 398-6272.
-USCG-
Rip currents are the most threatening natural hazard along our coast. They pull victims away from the beach. A rip current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water on shore creating seaward pressure. This pressure is released in an area with the least
amount of resistance which is usually the deepest point along the ocean floor. Rip currents also exist in areas where the strength of the waves are weakened by objects such as rock jetties, piers, natural reefs, and even large groups of bathers. Rip currents often look like muddy rivers flowing away from shore.
Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called "rip tides" or "undertows." These are misnomers. Rip currents are not directly associated with tides and they do not pull people under.
Try to avoid swimming where rip currents are present, but if you become caught in a one, swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then swim back to shore. If you are unable to return to the beach, tread water and wave for assistance.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Rip currents often exist along the side of fixed objects in the water.
Be aware of ocean conditions and potential hazards. Check with the Coast Guard for the conditions before entering the water.
Dangerous Currents
Littoral Current
The littoral current is a "river of water" moving up or down the shoreline parallel to the beach. It is created by the angled approach of waves. In stormy conditions, this current can be very powerful due to high wave energy.
Rip Current
- Seaward currents (also known as "rip tides") take you out to sea through the incoming waves, sometimes at an angle. To escape this current, swim parallel to the beach, in the direction of the littoral current. When free of the seaward current, swim straight to the beach. Never try to swim against seaward currents.
Backwash Current
- A backwash current on a steeply sloping beach can pull you toward deeper water, but its power is swiftly checked by incomingwaves. To escape this current, swim straight to the beach or wait and float until the current stops, then swim in.
Tragic water accidents happen quickly. The most common reason for aquatic mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge. San Diego lifeguards recommend the following safety tips:
- Learn to swim
- Swim near a lifeguard
- Never swim alone
- Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
- Don't rely on floation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water
- If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against the current's pull
- Alcohol and swimming don't mix
- Protect your head, neck, and spine -- don't dive into unfamiliar waters -- feet first, first time
- If you are in trouble, call or wave for help
- Follow regulations and lifeguard directions
- Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances
- Scuba dive only if trained and certified -- and within the limits of your training
- No glass containers at the beach -- broken glass and bare feet don't mix
- No beach fires except in designated areas -- fire residue and superheated sand can severely burn bare feet -- use a barbeque that is elevated off the sand
- Report hazardous conditions to lifeguards or other beach management personnel
- Stay clear of coastal bluffs, they can collapse and cause injury
- Never turn your back to the ocean -- you may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas and into the water by waves that can come without warning
SUFACE RESQUE
TECHNIQUES IN NYC WATERS
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