Beware of Currents

I have recently had the opportunity to share with our readers about where I live. I also was able to share that there are several rivers and water ways here . Our family loves to get out there and swim, fish or simply be near water. At times this can be dangerous. When the water is rough there are many rip currents around. Barges that travel up and down the river do not help as the turmoil they place the water in is one that is fast paced with many current.s I have had an uncle that was knocked out of a boat because of a barge that flipped the boat. He was saved and we feel blessed but there may be a time when someone finds their self in trouble. 

The American Red Cross advises those that love the water to always swim in areas that have been designated for swimming. There should be lifeguards on duty in this area and if there are any signs that warn of current danger then you should follow the warning and not enter the water.

Rip Currents are powerful, channeled currents of water that flow away from shore and can occur at any beach with breaking waves. Areas such as open water areas, low spots, breaks in sandbars and near structures such as pears are where rip currents take place. Rip tides are dangerous for swimmers of every level. There are an approximate over 100 deaths on the nation beaches due to rip currents. If you do get caught up in a rip current remember to:

• stay calm and don't fight the current 
• swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once free , turn and swim to shore
• If you are unable to break the current tread water or float until free then swim to shore
• wave and call for help if these do not work for you