Teen drowns at Ocean Isle Beach after being caught in rip current

Backdraft Safety Tips

If possible, swim at a supervised beach.

Never swim alone.

Learn to swim in the waves. It’s not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.

Always exercise caution, especially when swimming at unsupervised beaches. If in doubt, stay out.

Obey all lifeguard instructions and orders. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about conditions before entering the water. It’s part of their job.

Stay at least 100 feet away from jetties and docks. Permanent rip currents often exist along these structures.

Consider wearing polarized sunglasses when you’re at the beach. They’ll help you spot signs of rip currents by reducing glare and sunlight reflecting off the ocean’s surface.

Be especially careful with children and the elderly at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of balance.

If caught in a rip current

Stay calm to conserve your energy and think clearly.

Never fight against the current.

Think of it as a treadmill that can’t be turned off and you have to stand on the side of it.

Swim out of the current, following the shore. When out of the current, swim diagonally, away from the current, toward the shore.

If you are unable to escape the current, float or tread water. Once out of the current, swim to shore.

If you still can’t reach shore, attract attention by waving your arm and shouting for help.

If you see someone in trouble

Don’t become a victim yourself.

Ask for help from a lifeguard.

If no rescuer is available, have someone call 911.

Throw the rip current victim something that floats – a life jacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.

Shout instructions on how to escape.

Remember that many people drown trying to save someone else from a rip current.