05/26/2026
As warmer temperatures arrive and summer approaches, remember these important water safety tips. ๐
๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฝ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from shore and can quickly carry swimmers into deeper water. In the Great Lakes, rip currents move quickly at the surface of the water and are strong enough to overpower even experienced swimmers.
One of the most important things to remember is that rip currents do ๐ป๐ผ๐ pull people underwater. They pull people away from shore.
If you find yourself caught in a rip current, first try to stay calm and focus on your breathing. Then remember to:
๐ ๐๐๐๐ฃ onto your back
๐ ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง to conserve your energy
โก๏ธ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ข๐ช the flow of the water and do not fight the current
As the current weakens in deeper water, breaking waves become less intense. When you feel an opportunity to move between waves, take it and swim back toward shore. When the lake pulls you, wait until it stops, do not fight it, and float.
Signs of a rip current can include:
โข A disorganized interruption in the typical rhythm of breaking waves
โข Waves breaking on shallow sandbars, but not in deeper channels or troughs
โข Cusps along the shoreline: โWhere there is a dip, there is a rip.โ
โข Strong currents forming near piers, break walls, jetties, or other shoreline structures
โข Narrow paths of water moving away from shore through the surf zone
For more information about rip currents and Great Lakes water safety, visit the .
