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A surfer is using Malcom-Jamal Warner's tragic death to save others from deadly…
Great advice for anyone going into the ocean this summer.
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Lifesaving Advice: How to Survive a Rip Current and Stay Safe at the Beach
OCEAN SAFETY ALERT: Understanding and Escaping Dangerous Rip Currents Recent tragedies, including the reported death of actor Malcolm Jamal Warner and a vacationer in Mexico, have brought renewed attention to the deadly threat of rip currents. These powerful, narrow channels of water moving swiftly away from shore are responsible for numerous drownings each year, often catching unsuspecting swimmers off guard. Experts explain that rip currents form as waves crash onto the shore, and the accumulated water seeks the path of least resistance to flow back into the ocean. This creates a high-pressure system that can pull swimmers rapidly away from the beach. For experienced surfers and bodyboarders, these currents can be a tool to quickly reach deeper waters, but for the average beachgoer, they pose a significant danger. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, the most crucial advice is to remain calm and resist the urge to swim directly against the current towards the shore. This will only lead to exhaustion. Instead, the recommended strategy is to swim parallel to the shoreline. Rip currents are typically narrow, and swimming sideways for as little as 20 to 25 yards will often allow you to escape the pull of the current. Once out of the current, you can then use the incoming waves to help you safely return to the beach. This simple technique can be a literal lifesaver.
