| In the course of a year, millions of Americans head for | | | | shore and create a situation wherein the returning |
| warm climates with waterfront real estate such as | | | | water has to find an alternate means to flow back into |
| islands and beaches. Unfortunately, a leading cause of | | | | the sea. Typically, this water will flow parallel to the |
| death for visitors in oceanfront destinations is drowning | | | | shore until it finds an easier route away from the shore |
| so I want to address two major areas of water | | | | either through lessened incoming water pressure or a |
| safety. | | | | physical feature on the beach that lends itself to |
| Drinking: | | | | facilitating outflow such as a pier, jetty or a split in a |
| When on vacation it’s not uncommon for travelers | | | | barrier sandbar or reef. This strong outflow is usually |
| to consume alcoholic beverages and this can become | | | | not terribly wide but is powerful at the surface and will |
| a problem as warm weather and heat can increase | | | | prevent incoming swells and waves from being too |
| the effects of alcohol, contributing to dehydration and | | | | pronounced, actually creating a deceptively inviting area |
| increased fatigue during high-intensity exercise. Some | | | | of calm water for swimmers. |
| physical effects of ingesting alcohol are weakening of | | | | Obviously, it is advisable to look for the existence of a |
| the pumping force of the heart, decreased | | | | rip current before heading into the water. Some |
| coordination, slowed reaction time, muscle relaxation, | | | | indicators to look for on the beach prior to entering the |
| lack of behavioral inhibitions and impaired judgment | | | | water are wave actions inconsistent with the |
| which when lounging on a beach, might prove perfectly | | | | surrounding area such as unusually calm waters, |
| acceptable. However should the intrepid inebriated | | | | discoloration caused by the strong outgoing current |
| individual decide to participate in physical activities such | | | | carrying excess debris and soil and waves that |
| as swimming after tossing down a few umbrella | | | | don’t wash as far up on the shore as the |
| decorated drinks the risk of injury or death can be | | | | surrounding area. If you are caught in a riptide, DO |
| dramatically increased. | | | | NOT PANIC. Understanding that they are generally |
| Rip Currents: | | | | narrow in width and are simply an outgoing current, |
| A rip current is a strong flow of water returning | | | | float do not struggle. Let the riptide carry you out |
| seaward from the shore. It is often called a riptide, rip | | | | beyond the breakers and it will dissipate. If you prefer, |
| current, a rip, or an undertow. Rip currents can be | | | | swim parallel to the beach not directly toward shore. In |
| dangerous for both swimmers and waders by | | | | this way you will cross the current and are less likely |
| dragging one away from the beach and causing | | | | to exhaust yourself. |
| exhaustion when the swimmer fights the current. They | | | | Interestingly, rip currents are used by surfers and |
| occur most often when the tide is low and there are | | | | lifeguards as they ride the outgoing current to carry |
| strong onshore winds with rough surf. Increased wind | | | | them away from shore faster than they would |
| blowing shoreward combined with the pressure of | | | | normally be able go to by paddling through the waves. |
| incoming water pressure push more water toward the | | | | |