Surf Safety
Rips are strong currents easily capable of dragging swimmers from the shallows out to deeper waters with alarming force. They emerge out of nowhere and should be avoided at all costs, such is the level of danger they present. The coast guard on your beach should be able to tell you where they are so you can avoid them. If you are unfortunate enough to get caught in a rip, remember these rules:
- Keep calm and don’t panic.
- If you can, wade across the ocean floor rather than swim, as this will at least give you some purchase.
- Don’t let go of your surfboard - it will help you attract attention and at least stay afloat.
- Don’t try to swim too hard against the current as you will simply waste all your energy. Rather, cut across the direction of the current until it is no longer pushing you further out, then start heading for shore.
- If you see someone else in trouble, look for life guards to help you. It is vital that you are a strong swimmer with experience in sea swimming before you even consider going surfing. Get some lessons from a qualified instructor before you set out on your own.
- Never surf with a board that is in any way damaged, and ensure you examine it thoroughly for cracks and stresses, which could develop into dangerous faults in the sea.
- Never ditch your board, even if you are drifting out – it may save your life.
- Never go surfing alone, and if you have no surfing buddies, at least bring a friend to look out for you from the beach.
- Surfers should stay within the black and white flags whilst bodyboarders must stay within the red and yellow flagged areas.
- More than 30% of all lifeguard rescues in recent years were related to surfing.
Always make sure you have the right level of equipment for your ability.
- Lastly, enjoy the surf! And always take out valid travel cover, especially when doing dangerous pursuits such as surfing. Have a look at AA Travel Insurance for some good deals on holiday insurance.
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