Sea swimmer in Dominical
The beaches, Ocean and surf can give hours of fun and enjoyment for everyone. Swimming, skim boarding, sea kayaking, playing in rock pools and surfing are just a few activities. Swimming on the beaches is generally safe however it is important to bear in mind that the planets Oceans and Seas are a huge natural force that is wise to have a healthy amount of respect for.
If you want to have fun in the Ocean please learn to swim.
Rip currents and how to exit from them
When swimming in the Oceans or Seas people should always be aware of the currents. One should not be scared of rip currents just be aware of how they work and where these currents occur. It is best to identify and locate a rip current before you enter the Ocean. Rip currents are a force of water that depending where one is located in the current, the force will pull either sideways and then divert flowing outwards into Ocean or pull directly outwards. A rip current does not pull a swimmer under the water it pulls the swimmer away from the shore out towards the Ocean via a narrow channel. The rip current is like a moving pavement that a swimmer cannot swim out of if swimming in the direction immediately to the shore. If a swimmer finds himself or herself in a rip current they must remain calm, breath deeply and in rhythm and focus on swimming parallel to the shore or look for breaking waves, which is generally where there are no rip currents, and keep swimming until he or she feels the current subside.
If the swimmer cannot swim away from the rip current they should stay calm and float or tread water to maintain energy and repose. As the current gets into deeper water the current will subside and disperse. Then the swimmer can re evaluate his or her location and decide the best way to swim back to the shore.
Rip currents can be easily spotted from the beach once one knows what to look for. A rip current is identified generally where waves don’t break and the surface of the water is gently agitated. Rip currents are found in all large bodies Ocean & Sea and are used by boats, surfers and lifeguards to get out quickly and safely beyond the breaking waves. Rip currents are not a danger they only can be dangerous if not understood and panic sets in.
Below are some useful pointers to remember.
• Don’t swim alone and closely supervise children.
• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol
• Before a swimmer enters the water they should turn and look at the shoreline and make a mental note of anything that is permanent on the shore and easy to spot (not a car). This way the swimmer can tell when swimming if they are getting pulled down the shore or are caught in a current.
• When swimming or playing continually check on your location in relation to where you entered the Ocean
• Never turn your back to the Ocean; larger waves can come without warning.
• If you are caught in a rip current or think you’re in danger. Your first thought should be “Don’t Panic” and breath calmly and regularly.
• If seized with cramp don’t panic just float and keep the affected parts of your body completely still.
• To identify a rip current on a beach with waves. The rip current will be where the waves don’t break and in calm but gently agitated water.
• Some rip currents are permanent on some beaches and others come and go or move along the beach.
• A rip current is stronger on the surface of the water than below.
• A rip current is generally less that 100 meters in width and dissipates 50 to 100 meters from shore.
• Rip currents are generally stronger when the waves are big, the bigger the waves the stronger the rip current.
• If you can’t swim don’t go deeper that thigh depth.
• If you want to swim long distances swim parallels to shoreline
• Dominical has a lifeguard’s service so if in doubt ask the lifeguards for safe area to swim.
• Have fun and enjoy
The beach and Ocean are enjoyed by all that live and own real estate in Dominical and safety is a concern for everyone. Dominical has had a lifeguard program for many years and is ongoing that is paid a sponsored by the Local businesses and residents.