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Health & Fitness

Learn the Dangers of Riptides

Did you know that riptides are the reason for 80 percent of rescues by lifeguards?

Robert Sweeney, D.O. and chair of Emergency Medicine at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, explains that rip currents are water that goes back out from shore in very small, forceful channels. You can recognize them by their pattern or flow of water, which lifeguards are trained to do.

Harry Harsin, lifeguard at Belmar Beach, says that any drowning that has occurred in this area has been from a lifeguard not on duty. For Belmar specifically, they have been fortunate enough to never have a drowning when a lifeguard has been on duty.

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Harsin explains that everyone’s swimming ability is different. However, even the most experienced swimmers can find themselves being swept away by rip currents. If you happen to find yourself in a riptide:

-           Don’t panic! If a lifeguard is on duty, they will help.

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-           Let the riptide carry you out initially. You’ll likely get pulled out no further than the jetty.

-           Swim parallel to the shore.

-           Signal or yell for help to get back to shore.

Remember: never swim alone and only swim when a lifeguard is on duty. The best thing you can do to be prepared is to be aware of your surroundings.

Click here to view a video about riptides: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3lck1NE5E4&feature=youtu.be



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