On Tuesday at 3:22 a.m. the National Weather Service released a rip current statement valid from 7 a.m. until Wednesday 7 a.m. for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service says, “Dangerous rip currents expected.”

“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” explains the weather service. “If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”

What to do if you get caught in a rip current?

Rip currents, those swift-moving channels of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches, can pose a serious threat to beachgoers. These currents vary in speed and can swiftly become perilous for anyone venturing into the surf. Even strong swimmers can find themselves overpowered by the force of a rip current. It’s essential to know how to respond if you’re caught in one. Here’s what you need to do, based on guidance from the weather service:

Stay calm – they won’t drag you under:

Your first rule of thumb: Keep a clear head. Rip currents won’t pull you beneath the water’s surface. Panic is your enemy; it depletes precious energy needed for your survival.

Go with the flow, but not toward the beach:

Trying to swim directly toward the beach when caught in a rip current is futile and exhausting. The current is too strong. Instead, swim parallel to the shore and away from the rip current’s grip.

Signal for help if necessary:

If you feel you can’t reach shore, relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help.

Seek lifeguarded beaches:

Whenever possible, opt for beaches with lifeguards. Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.

Never swim alone on unguarded beaches:

If you decide to swim at beaches without lifeguards, establish a cardinal rule: never go solo. Always bring a companion, and ensure they have a cell phone to call 911 if needed.

With these insights into rip currents and how to react, you can enhance your safety when enjoying the beach. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your well-being while relishing the surf.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.