The Outer Banks is a beautiful place to visit with your family and friends of all ages. However, each wonderful vacation spot comes with its own risks to be aware of. Rip currents can be a danger to you and your family, so make sure you work to inform your friends and/or children on rip current safety. Share these rip current safety tips with your friends and family to keep them safe this summer!
You can identify
a rip current by noticing a large difference in the water’s color, unusual wave patterns, and debris going back out to the ocean with the current. Sometimes, you cannot identify the rip currents going on, but if you notice these differences in the water, stay calm, but cautious.
If you were to get caught in a rip current, stay calm so you can think about what is best to do. Do not try to fight against the current, rather swim out of the current, and if you can’t get out of it, try to float and stay above the waves.
If you are on the beach and believe you see someone being pulled out into the ocean by a rip current, get help from a lifeguard. Do not try to go rescue someone who is in a rip current yourself as you will most likely struggle against the rip current as well.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks this summer, but be cautious and prepare your family and friends for the possibility of rip currents.
For more information on rip currents, check out http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/.