Swimming instructors say what to do if you get caught in a rip current

Dangerous conditions at Stuart Beach required the use of rip current safety signs and prevented many beach visitors from getting into the water.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed two people died Thursday near the ocean off Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island after being caught in a rip current.

The Lochners of Palm City noticed the strong waves while passing Stuart Beach Thursday afternoon.

“Patricia and I sailed around the world for 15 years,” shared Steve Lochner. “We pay attention to the weather and we expected it. We have great respect for mother nature.

Between the double red flags and strong waves, the Lochners decided to avoid swimming in the ocean, especially after a family scare related to the rip current years ago.

“About five years ago, my son and my grandson were here and he was a teenager at the time,” Patricia Lochner said. “They decided to go out and they got caught in the current and pulled out and they had to swim quite far out before they could turn around and come back safely.

WPTV’s Zitlali Solache spoke to Martin County swimming instructors about the dangers of rip currents and how to stay safe.

“It’s very important to realize how dangerous they can be,” said Aryane Marchant of Stuart’s Fish Tails swim school. “Because rip currents can come out of nowhere.”

Marchant advises people in emergency situations to remain calm. She said struggling or being in distress because of the rising tide made it harder to get out.

“It could happen to anyone in Martin County, it could happen to anyone,” Marchant said. “We’ll always want to make sure that even if you’re not the best swimmer, like an Olympic athlete, just knowing how to float on your back and knowing these simple rescue techniques, they can really save a life.

Swimming instructors also suggest paying attention to warnings.

“If we go to the beach,” Marchant said, “always make sure to look at the flags on the beach.”

Martin County fire officials said there have been 13 water rescues since the start of the year, not including Thursday’s drowning incident.

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