For many who have never seen the Great Lakes they are often astounded by the sheer volume and size of the lakes. With this though can lead to many underestimating the dangers within them.
Rip currents are a natural phenomenon seen in large bodies of water. These can form with many different factors playing a roll, including the angle of the beach, the wind and the waves. These currents pull away from the shore and are narrow in width. Rip currents are fast moving and can move up to 8ft per second away from shore.
How to escape a Rip Current
If you happen to find yourself in a rip current don't panic, panic swimmers often swim directly in the path of the current putting them at risk for fatigue. Because these currents are narrow, to escape them you can swim parallel to the beach. If you can't swim out wait till the current weakens to escape.
Once free let the waves help take you to shore and swim at an angle to reduce fatigue. These currents will not take a person under the water but thousands of rescues happen per year in the United States.
Stay safe this summer and enjoy swimming in the Great Lakes!
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