Health Tip: Avoiding Rip Tides

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If you swim in the ocean, you should be aware of dangerous rip tides, sometimes called rip currents.

Most often, these fast-moving flows of water form at low spots, breaks in sandbars or near structures such as piers, experts at Texas A&M University say. Rip tides are notorious for pulling even the strongest swimmers under the water and away from shore.

The experts say rip tides account for at least 100 deaths a year in the United States, making them far more dangerous than sharks.

They offer these suggestions for avoiding rip tides:

• Before you leave for the beach, check the local forecast to see if rip tides are predicted.
• Swim only at beaches with lifeguards.
• Pay attention to any warnings posted on the beach, such as red flags.
• Don’t drink alcohol, a leading factor in drowning cases.

Source: HealthDay

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