UPPERWEATHER.COM _{-Meteorological Musings}

With so many deaths every year attributed to this phenomenon, they seek first to educate the public about it.

Rip currents are narrow channels of fast-moving water that pull swimmers away from the shore. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes.

Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and can easily overpower a victim. Panicked swimmers often incorrectly swim straight back to shore — putting themselves at risk of drowning because of fatigue.

Here is the advice

If caught in a rip current, don’t fight it! Swim parallel to the shore and then swim at an angle – away from the current – toward shore.

Good advice! I bet that the biggest problem here is educating the public about it. Definitely worth reading the original article.

They also say how they are making bilingual signs. I know that I have heard the sentiment a lot about English being the only language, and if you can't speak it then get out. Personally I believe that this is the perfect example of something that should be in anyones own language. Imagine a person really trying to learn English, but would miss this warning if it were only in English. This sign should be in any language that would help someone stay alive. Pictures help those who cannot read very well, and different languages help those who do not have English as a first language. So, no matter your opinion on the language barrier, this can save lives.