Rip Current Statement Affecting Mobile and Baldwin Counties Through Thursday Morning

A rip current statement was issued by the National Weather Service at 2:36 a.m. Tuesday, valid from 7 p.m. through 7 a.m. Thursday for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service added: “Dangerous rip currents are expected.”

“Rip currents can carry even the strongest swimmers into deeper water,” the weather service says. “Swim near a lifeguard. If you are caught in a rip current, relax and go with the flow. Do not swim against the current. If you can, swim in a direction that follows the shoreline. If you cannot escape, face the shoreline and call or signal for help.”

What to do if you get caught in a rip current?

Rip currents, the fast-moving currents that flow away from shore at surf beaches, can pose a serious threat to swimmers. These currents vary in speed and can quickly become dangerous for anyone who ventures into the surf. Even strong swimmers can find themselves overwhelmed by the force of a rip current. It’s essential to know what to do if you’re caught in a rip current. Here’s what to do, based on advice from the weather service:

Keep your cool, they won’t drag you into the abyss:

Don’t panic: rip currents won’t pull you underwater.

Let yourself be carried away, but not towards the beach:

Swimming directly toward the shore when caught in a rip current is futile and exhausting. The current is too strong. Instead, swim parallel to the shore and away from the rip current.

Call for help if necessary:

If you are unable to reach shore, try to relax. Turn toward shore, hover in place, and signal your presence by shouting or waving your arms. This will make you more visible to potential rescuers.

Search for supervised beaches:

If possible, choose beaches with lifeguards. Their trained eyes and quick reactions can be lifesaving in the event of a water emergency.

Never brave the waves alone on unsupervised shores:

If you choose to swim at beaches without a lifeguard, make it a rule to never swim alone. Always bring a friend with you and make sure that person has a cell phone to call 911 in case of an emergency.

With this information about rip currents and how to react, you can improve your safety while enjoying the beach. Stay informed, stay alert, and prioritize your well-being while enjoying the surf.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.