The beach vacation is just the thing to relax and destress from all of life’s troubles and here at Navarre Beach Camping Resort we offer beautiful white beaches and emerald waters. Before you get comfortable on the beach, be aware of one danger and how to avoid it.
Rip Currents
No matter what beach you visit, be it a beautiful ocean front or even just around the Great Lakes, you are always in danger of encountering a rip current. These currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water. They are so fast in fact, that even Olympic swimmers cannot outrun them. Rip currents account for over 80% of surf beach rescues performed by lifeguards each year.
Avoiding Rip Currents
Rip currents don’t have to ruin your beach vacation. You can protect yourself in several different ways. One key way to stay safe is to check the water conditions by looking at your local beach forecast. Another way to minimize risk is to swim at a beach that has lifeguards as this brings the chance of drowning down to 1 in 18 million. Finally, pay attention to the water as there are certain signs of danger that will tip you off to the presence of a rip current.
Spotting a Rip Current
At the beach look for:
- A break in the pattern of incoming waves
- A channel of churning, choppy water
- An area of noticeably different water color
- A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward