KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – With the summer season right around the corner, the Michigan region of the American Red Cross is sharing information to create awareness of rip currents and other threats to Great Lakes swimmer safety.
Free water safety classes, videos and resources for kids are also available courtesy of the Red Cross.
“Having basic knowledge of water safety, including what to do if caught in a rip current, can truly be a lifesaver,” Executive Director for the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross Adam Castle said in a statement. “Having these skills can make the difference between a fun day at the beach and a possible tragedy.”
Rip currents are one of the biggest threats to Great Lakes swimmers, and one that surprises many inexperienced or unfamiliar people.
A rip current is a powerful, fast moving channel of water, common along the shores of the Great Lakes.
Rip currents are responsible for most rescues performed by lifeguards across the U.S., according to the Red Cross.
If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight it.
- Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, turn and swim to shore.
- Alternately, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head to shore.
- If you can’t make it to shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.
If someone else is caught in a rip current, stay calm and seek help.
- If someone is in trouble in the water, get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
- Throw the victim something that floats – such as a lifejacket, cooler or inflatable ball – and yell instructions on how to escape the current. Do not attempt a rescue yourself unless you are a trained beach lifeguard.
Officials add that ten people die each day from unintentional drowning, and on average two of them are under age 14.
The Red Cross also offers basic water safety skill resources, including a free online class for parents and caregivers.
With many kids unable to take formal swim lessons over the past year due to the pandemic, these resources can still help families be safer around the Great Lakes and other bodies of water.
- The Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers Online Course focuses on developing an awareness of the risks of drowning and how to minimize those risks, especially for young children. This online course teaches parents and caregivers about the concepts of the circle of drowning prevention, water competency and the chain of drowning survival. It also provides guidance for applying water safety to common environments and situations where children are most at risk for drowning.
- WHALE Tales are short, engaging and age-appropriate videos that teach important water safety topics. Each episode centers on a memorable rhyming phrase to help children retain what they’ve learned. They are free and available online.
For access to more free water safety resources for kids and adults, visit redcross.org/watersafety.
FURTHER VIEWING:
Adam Castle spoke with WKZO on Tuesday morning on this topic. To listen to the full interview, click here.
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