One of the many perks of living in the South Carolina Lowcountry is beach days with family and friends. But a good day can turn bad if swimmers are not careful and aware of tides and rip currents.
A rip current is created when the back-rushing of water from the beach is channeled in a direction away from the shore. These currents are strong enough to pull you far away from the beach.
Eighty percent of rescues by ocean lifeguards involve people caught in rip currents, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association. If you feel a rip current or think you might be in one, never swim against it. Try to stay calm and swim perpendicular to the current, which usually means parallel to the shore.
Another important tip is to always swim with other people. It's also a good idea to swim near a lifeguard. Most drownings occur on beaches where there is no lifeguard present. And, if you're not a strong swimmer, don't depend on plastic rafts or tubes to keep you afloat. Instead, wear a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket.
It's also crucial to keep a close eye on children and don't let them swim near permanent structures because there is a much higher chance of a rip current there.