Stay Safe at the Beach

Monday September 7, 2009 Labor Day

Stay Safe at the Beach

I was at the beach two days ago and couldn't help noticing how unusual the waves were. They were rougher and from a different direction. As I stood there studying the waves, a family of tourists fueled up on excitement and alcohol rushed past me and straight into the water. I tensed and reached for my cell phone ready to call 911. I didn't have to make that emergency call because after only a minute or two the people decided that swimming wasn't such a great idea. I watched as they struggled out of the surf and up to their beach towels and beer cooler. Only after they were safely plopped down on the beach did I relax and go back to my study of the waves.

I was trying to see if I could detect any rip currents in the water. Many times rip currents can be difficult to identify. I have been taught to look for the out of the ordinary features within a body of water. Perhaps the abnormality will be a different color, a churning channel, a line of debris headed out to sea, or just an irregular wave pattern. If I have any doubts about the presence of one of these dangerous currents I don't go in. I am always more cautious after any big storm because I know that storms increase the risk of rip currents.

Here are a few important facts about rip currents.

If you are caught in a rip current don't panic or swim against the current.
You should swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current and then swim towards shore.
If you are unable to break free of the current, float or tread water.
Try to draw attention to yourself by waving your arms and yelling for help.

Everyone have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com