Update: Power Return Statement Issued for 6 Massachusetts Counties for Tuesday

As of 9:50 p.m. Monday, an updated rip current statement was issued by the National Weather Service, effective Tuesday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for Essex, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.

The weather service comments: “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 are channeled currents that flow away from shore on surf beaches. Their speed can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous for anyone venturing into the waves. Rip currents can carry even the strongest swimmer away from shore. Trying to swim against a rip current will only drain your energy, the energy you need to survive and escape the rip current. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, try to stay calm and follow these tips from the weather service:

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

Your first rule of thumb: keep a cool head. Rip currents won’t pull you under the water’s surface. Panic is your enemy; it drains the precious energy you need to survive.

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.

Look for supervised beaches for added safety:

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 decide to swim at beaches without lifeguards, establish one basic rule: never go alone. Always take someone with you and make sure they have a cell phone so they can call 911 if needed.

Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can greatly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters. Stay informed, stay alert, and put safety first when enjoying the waves.

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.