I recently came across this Facebook post (link) about recognising rip currents and how to behave if caught in one.
I knew about them in theory but didn't know what they looked like. As 90% of beach drownings are caused by rip currents I thought it worth sharing here.
Do read it and look at ALL the pictures.
JOhn
Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same.
George Bernard Shaw, Maxims for Revolutionaries
Thanks, John. The three cliffs bay is infamous for its rip currents. Too many people lost their lives there. 😥
Thanks John. This is really useful. As with so many things in life, once you look at it, it seems really obvious but I DID NOT KNOW until now. For such a big killer it is a shame that we are not better educated and that it takes a lovely person to share it on social media and another nice person to share it with us!
Only happy when naked
Good advice. In 2015 I got caught in a rip at a "family" beach in Northern Spain right next to the (textile) campsite. The rips were next to rock outcrops at each end of the beach. In fairness there were warning signs, but there being no noticeable change in the sea, I went in too close to the rocks - then rip extended further than I imagined. Shortly after realising the land was further away than it should have been, I made an experimental attempt to swim back, but the land refused to come closer. I remembered the procedure though, and swam sideways - managing to get to the rocks (upon which I got lots of little cuts on my fingers and toes as I pulled myself back to standing-up depth).
I was naked, but it was early morning with few or no other people about.6