We all cherish moments with our families at the beach. The best way to have fun and avoid accidents is to educate ourselves and kids on what to do when the unexpected happens in the ocean or on shore.

Rip currents are responsible for 80% of beach rescues and can be hazardous or even fatal if you don’t know how to handle them. 

If caught in a Rip Current, it is important to stay calm. The current will not pull you under; rather, it will carry you away from shore.

It is important to prepare for this. It can be an overwhelming feeling, even for strong swimmers, to begin to go against the current and realize you’re stuck. This can also be scary for parents to watch from shore. This is why beach safety begins before you get to the beach. Remind your kids to float; this will conserve energy rather than panic and fight against the current to get back. Swimming against the current will exhaust you.

If you’re a strong swimmer, to exit a rip current, swim parallel to shore. Move sideways to escape the current’s pull, then swim back with the waves pushing you towards the beach.

If you see someone in trouble in a rip current, call for help. With the help of others, use any floatation devices available to avoid risking your own safety.

For more information - Rip Current Survival Guide collection at NOAA 

Safety Tips Before You Go

Always review conditions before heading to the beach. In Panama, warnings for high tides and large swell are issued by SINAPROC.

Lifeguards are not often present at the beach in Panama; the best scenario is to be in a group of people who are strong swimmers. If your kids are learning to surf and you yourself do not surf, a surf coach can teach them the safety and surf etiquette. 

Original video source: NOAA Ocean Today