Dangerous Rip Current

Sheboygan has a wonderful natural resource right next to it called Lake Michigan.  That resource can bring fun and beautiful sights along the lake shore.  But to those unaware, it can also bring dangers.  Every year swimmers experience the dangers of rip currents.  Sadly some of these swimmers drown because of this phenomena. Below is an explanation of what a rip current is and what to do if caught in one.

What is a Rip Current?
Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes.

Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers. Rip currents can be very narrow or extend in widths to hundreds of yards. The seaward pull of rip currents varies: sometimes the rip current ends just beyond the line of breaking waves, but more powerful rip currents continue to push hundreds of yards offshore.

Rip current speeds vary.  Average speeds are 1-2 feet per second, but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second - faster than as Olympic swimmer!

Rip currents can cause emotional distress, panic, contusions/abrasions, internal/external injuries, suffocation and death due to drowning. The United States Lifesaving Association attributes 80 percent of all surf zone rescues to rip currents.

What to do if caught in a Rip Current:

1. Stay Calm.
2. Don't fight the current.
3. Escape the current by swimming in a direction following the shoreline. When free of the current, swim at an angle - away from the current - toward shore.
4. If you are unable to escape by swimming, float or tread water.
5. When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
6. If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: Face the shore, call or wave for help.

How do I Help Someone Else?
Don't become a victim while trying to help someone else!
Many people have died in efforts to rescue rip current victims.

1. Get help from a lifeguard or other authority.
2. If assistance is not available, yell instructions on how to escape.
3. If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.
4. Call 9-1-1 for further assistance. 

Information obtained from:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
and
United States Life Guard Association