Bathers warned of rip currents during spring tides

WITH holidaymakers flocking to beaches in their hundreds, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has released a warning on the dangers of rip currents.

Defined as strong currents of water which move swiftly away from the shore and out to sea, rip currents pose a danger to swimmers.

Strong rip currents occur during spring tides, which occur either a few days leading up to, during or after a new or full moon. The next full moon is on January 2.

The NSRI’s Craig Lambinon said there were two types of rip currents. The first was permanent and found alongside islands, rocky outcrops, at river mouths and between reefs and harbour walls.

The second type was temporary and found along the shoreline at beachfronts.

He said these were forever changing position, making them unpredictable as they could form without warning.

Bathers caught in a rip current should not panic. Instead, he said, they should: ý Stay afloat by treading water; ý Not try to swim against the current but allow it to sweep them out to sea;

ý Once out to sea, at the first opportunity swim parallel to the beachfront until free of the rip current; and

ý Use the incoming waves to get back to shore. “While this is happening, scream for help and wave to alert people on the beach to raise the alarm.”