Traditional wisdom has long advised swimmers to escape rip currents by swimming parallel to the shore.
However, this advice is now considered outdated and potentially dangerous.
Understanding the correct way to handle rip currents can be a matter of life and death.
By embracing new, scientifically backed techniques, we can better equip ourselves and others to survive these treacherous ocean phenomena.
Janet Carbin, the chief lifeguard in Spring Lake, New Jersey, brings 14 years of experience to the conversation about rip currents.
Janet emphasizes that rip currents are the leading cause of trouble for swimmers, often catching even the most seasoned beachgoers off guard.
She stresses the need for updated safety protocols to prevent tragedies in the water, underscoring the importance of educating the public about rip currents.
A personal story shared by Allie Joy illustrates the dangers of rip currents.
Allie recounts a harrowing incident where her husband, Austin, drowned while trying to rescue their twin daughters from a rip current.
In his attempt to fight the current and reach safety, Austin became exhausted and succumbed to the relentless pull of the water.
This tragic event highlights the critical need for proper knowledge and techniques in dealing with rip currents.
In response to her husband’s tragic death, Allie Joy has become an advocate for a new safety campaign called “Float, Don’t Fight.”
This campaign seeks to educate people on the importance of going with the current instead of fighting it.
By promoting this approach, Allie hopes to prevent further tragedies and save lives.
The campaign emphasizes that understanding rip currents and how to survive them is crucial for anyone who spends time in the ocean.
One of the key messages of the “Float, Don’t Fight” campaign is to stay calm and avoid panic when caught in a rip current.
Panic can lead to irrational decisions and rapid exhaustion, which significantly decrease the chances of survival.
Remaining calm is the first step in effectively handling the situation and ensuring a better outcome.
The campaign advises swimmers to lay back, keep their feet up, and gently move their hands at their sides to stay afloat.
This position helps conserve energy and makes it easier to stay buoyant in the water.
By floating on their backs, swimmers can keep their airways clear and avoid swallowing water, which is crucial in maintaining calmness and energy levels.
Floating with the current until it dissipates is a central tenet of the new safety method.
Rip currents are powerful but relatively narrow, and they usually lose strength farther out at sea.
By going with the flow, swimmers can ride the current to a point where it weakens, making it easier to swim to safety.
This approach contrasts sharply with the old advice of swimming parallel to the shore, which can lead to exhaustion and increased risk.
The importance of this new method cannot be overstated.
Fighting against a rip current is often futile and can be fatal due to the rapid onset of exhaustion.
By conserving energy and going with the flow, swimmers increase their chances of survival.
Understanding and adopting this technique can make the difference between life and death in a rip current situation.
Updating our approach to rip current safety is essential.
Janet Carbin’s expertise and Allie Joy’s heartbreaking personal story underscore the need for change.
The “Float, Don’t Fight” campaign offers a lifesaving strategy that everyone should know.
By staying calm, floating with the current, and conserving energy, swimmers can significantly improve their chances of surviving a rip current.
Embracing this new advice can help prevent further tragedies and ensure that more people enjoy the ocean safely.
Learn more about this lifesaving technique in the video below.
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