Rip Current Safety and what kids and parents should know

Howey the Dolphin here, your local water safety expert! A day at Galveston Beach can be full of sunshine, sandcastles, splashing, and fun. But before we jump into the ocean, there is one important water safety topic every family should know about: rip currents.

A rip current simply means that water is pulling away from the shore. Rip currents can be very strong, and even strong swimmers can get pulled farther out into the water.

So what should you do if you get caught in one?

Do not fight the water

The first rule is: do not try to swim straight back to shore against the current. That can make swimmers tired very quickly.

Instead, stay as calm as you can and remember my rule: swim to the side.

Swim to the side, then back to shore

If a rip current is pulling you away from the beach, swim sideways, parallel to the shore, until the water stops pulling you out. Once you are out of the current, then you can swim back toward the beach.

If you feel tired, float or tread water. Then wave your arms and yell for help so a lifeguard or adult can see you.

Know before you go

Before swimming at the beach, families should check for warning flags, listen to lifeguards, and always swim with an adult watching. The ocean is fun, but it's different from a pool, so we need to be extra careful.

Well, now you know what to do if you get caught in a rip current. Do not panic, do not fight the water, and remember: Swim to the side until the water stops pulling you out, then swim back to shore.

I made a video just for kids so your little ones can learn the lesson, too! Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6De2cKdSUs, and for mom and dad, you can learn more in-depth detail on rip currents from the Galveston Island Beach Control at https://www.visitgalveston.com/beachpatrol/beach-safety/rip-currents/

Written by Howey the Dolphin, Water Safety Expert, Houston Swim Club