Fans are still in shock after learning the tragic news of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s passing. The actor, who first rose to fame as a teenager, playing Theo Huxtable in The Cosby Show, died on June 21 due to accidental drowning after getting caught by a rip current while swimming during a family vacation in Costa Rica.
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Rip currents like the one that led to the beloved actor’s death are extremely dangerous. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, rip currents are responsible for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.
Before you take your next trip to the beach, here are five things you need to know about rip currents.
They’re Powerful and Fast
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from the shore at a 90-degree angle and can often pull swimmers, along with debris out into the ocean. The fast-moving flow of water can travel at speeds up to eight feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer.
How to Spot Them
According to the National Weather Service, the best way to spot rip currents are from an elevated position. They recommend beach-goers look for “darker, narrow gaps of water heading offshore between areas of breaking waves and whitewater.” White foam on the surface of the water or debris being pulled away from the shore are other indicators of rip currents.
Don’t Panic
If you find yourself caught in a rip current, your first reaction may be panic. But experts say that is the worst thing you can do. According to West Coast Water Safety, one of the first stages of drowning is panic, which makes it impossible to think clearly and causes the body to expend energy and oxygen in the process.
Instead of panicking, experts advise you to flip on to your back and float while you wait for help to arrive, according to a report from GMA.
Don’t Try to Swim Straight Back to Shore
If you find yourself caught up in a rip current, your instincts may tell you to try to swim back towards the shore. But because the current is so powerful, swimmers often run out of energy trying to make their way back to shore.
According to the National Weather Service, the best way to escape is to turn parallel to the shore and wade or swim until you are out of the rip current.
Check the Forecast First
If you’re planning a day at the beach, check the forecast ahead of time to determine your level of risk in the water. You can look at the National Weather Service’s Hazardous Weather Forecast to check for the rip current risk in your area. And once you arrive at the beach, you can ask the lifeguards on duty and look out for red flags, which are indicators of rough, dangerous water conditions.
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