Cheers to this team of lifeguards from Flagler Beach, Florida who linked together to form a human chain in a rescue of a boogie boarder who was caught in a rip current that was pulling him out into the ocean.
FOX35 reports Joe Osborne was flying his drone while on a break from his job at a tattoo parlor and caught the entire rescue on video:
“I was actually kind of impressed. It was definitely a rehearsed thing … with their buoys and their lines, and they use them in unison. Very impressive. I thought it was very neat.”
Excellent reminder to us all of the dangers of rip currents. Read more about rip current safety from NOAA below.
RELATED: The Science of Rip Currents Explained
Before you go to the beach…
- KNOW HOW TO SWIM.
Seems simple enough, but those who do not know how to swim and are pulled out to sea by a rip current stand little chance of survival. Just because you are in shallow water does not mean you are safe. A person standing waist deep in water can be dragged out into deeper waters and drown.
- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.Check the Surf Zone Forecast for local beach conditions. Surf Zone Forecasts will contain Rip Current Outlooks using the following three-tiered set of qualifiers:
- Low Risk of rip currents. The risk for rip currents is low, however, life threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.
- Moderate Risk of rip currents. Life threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone.
- High Risk of rip currents. Life threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone.
When you get to the beach…
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water.
- Obey all instructions/orders from lifeguards and posted signs. They are there for your wellbeing.
- Never swim alone.
- Stay at least 100 feet (30 meters) away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
If caught in a rip current…know your options
- Relax, rip currents don’t pull you under.
- Don’t swim against the current.
- You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
- You may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore.
- If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself. If you need help, yell and wave for assistance.
If you see someone in trouble…
Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims.
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1,
- then try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline to escape.
- If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.
- Never enter the water without a flotation device.
For more info visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.
