In the photo, you can see a rip current.
These currents can carry even the most experienced swimmers out to sea at such a speed that even an Olympic athlete would struggle to make it back to shore. Rip currents (also known as undertows or riptides) are responsible for almost 80% of drowning cases in the ocean. In fact, due to rip currents, people can drown 80% more often than in other situations. The pressure in such areas rapidly increases.
If you find yourself caught in such a current, it’s important to stay calm. Do not try to swim directly back to shore; instead, swim horizontally, parallel to the shore, to get out of the current. If you fight against it, you will exhaust yourself without making any progress. Once you’re out of the current, you can swim towards the shore at an angle.
To better recognize dangerous currents, learn to spot signs like murky water or areas where the waves look different.
It’s also helpful to know the safety flags on the beach: a red flag means swimming is not allowed in that area, and a yellow flag signals that caution is needed.
Always try to swim in areas where lifeguards are present and feel free to ask them for advice.
Share this information with your family and friends to ensure their safety during beach outings.
