MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)-After three drownings happened on the Grand Strand over the weekend, officials want to make sure you and your family are staying safe out on the water.
Lifeguards ask that you obey all instructions and orders from them as they’re trained to identify hazards. Pay close attention to the flags and stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Keep a close eye on children and elderly people. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing. Always be cautious and always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them.
If you are caught in a rip current, here are a few reminders that could be life-saving:
-remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly
-never swim against the rip current
-stay afloat and signal for help
-swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline
-when out of the current, swim at an angle, away from the current, towards the shore
-if you can’t seem to get out, draw attention to yourself, face the shore, wave your arms, and shout for help
If you see someone who needs help, don’t become a victim too. Grab a life guard, or call 911. If you have a life jacket, cooler or inflatable ball, throw that to the victim so they can hold onto something until help arrives.
Lifeguards ask that you obey all instructions and orders from them as they’re trained to identify hazards. Pay close attention to the flags and stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Keep a close eye on children and elderly people. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing. Always be cautious and always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them.
If you are caught in a rip current, here are a few reminders that could be life-saving:
-remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly
-never swim against the rip current
-stay afloat and signal for help
-swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline
-when out of the current, swim at an angle, away from the current, towards the shore
-if you can’t seem to get out, draw attention to yourself, face the shore, wave your arms, and shout for help
If you see someone who needs help, don’t become a victim too. Grab a life guard, or call 911. If you have a life jacket, cooler or inflatable ball, throw that to the victim so they can hold onto something until help arrives.
