Watching the water
Lifeguards advise how to avoid, or swim away, from rip currents
Dean Sangster sits on a tall wooden bench watching the waters of Melmerby Beach. In the water, Hannah McLean and Colin MacIntosh practise safety drills as part of their daily routine. Just another day at work for these employees of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service, but what they know and practise about safety both above and below the water line can save a life. This past week, there were several instances of people in the Maritimes being caught in rip currents. It has happened at Melmerby Beach in the past as well, but knowledge is key to keeping yourself safe. “Rip currents are a current that arises from surf conditions,” said MacIntosh. “It is a result of all of the water being brought in by waves and then the water having to go out somewhere.” Melmerby Beach, the only supervised beach in the county, has a lengthy sandbar this year, which will help keep rip currents away, but people should still take precautions when they are enjoying the beach. MacIntosh said rip currents can be spotted in the water because they are flat, still sections of water that are darker in colour than other sections. “The best advice for people swimming on a really wavy day is that it is safer to play in the waves than the still parts of the water,” said McLean. “If it looks flat, that is not where you and kids want to go.” She said if a person does get caught in a rip current, it is best to swim parallel to the shoreline to try to swim out of it. “We are not always sure of the shape of it so it might to an angle. If you are struggling to go back in to shore, best case scenario is that if you see a lifeguard, wave for help. If not, let yourself go. The rip current is going to end and you can swim parallel to shore a little distance and try swimming back in,” McLean said. Also, don’t panic. “The big issue with rip currents is that people don’t realize they are stuck in one so they will swim back and get tired in the progress. Also if you are not a good swimmer and you get pulled out, you are suddenly shocked you are a lot deeper than you were. You might not be comfortable touching the ground,” she said. MacIntosh said if a lifeguard isn’t on duty and someone spots another in distress because of rip tide, they should look for a rope or something to throw to them, rather than going in themselves. “If you are trying to pull someone out, a floatation on a rope is a good option,” he said. “A cooler tied to rope is good.” Lifeguards will be on duty seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Aug. 27 at Melmerby Beach. Safety is something MacIntosh, McLean and Sangster practise daily, but they also put community awareness into their schedules. For example, they host junior lifeguarding sessions Wednesdays at the beach for children age eight and up to learn more about lifeguarding and they will be hosting a beach day Aug. 12 at Melmerby. Beach day will include a list of children’s activities both in and out of the water. More information on beach safety can be found at the website: www. nsls.ns.ca