The only thing that stops Superman’s X-ray vision is lead, but there are some things that are invisible even to the Man of Steel. One of them is a riptide, a very strong surface current of water flowing seaward from the shore independent of other currents. Flowing several feet per second, the riptide can drag a swimmer from shore to deep water very quickly. Superman, despite not being able to see the rip, would be able to swoop in and grab the swimmer free. But by following these steps, you, too, can save a swimmer caught in a riptide before he’s washed out to deep and forbidding waters. Swim out to the victim.
Step 1: Don’t fight the current.
The rip is simply too strong for the average swimmer. You’ll only tire yourself out by attempting to swim against the current, which flows perpendicular to shore. Let it carry you to the victim.
Step 2: Retrieve the victim.
Float the victim onto his back, and grasp him across the upper chest. Paddle with one hand, and kick with your feet. If the victim is panicked or struggling, you will need to calm him so that his flailing does not injure either of you.
Step 3: Get out of the rip.
Typically, riptides aren’t so wide that they can’t be escaped by swimming several feet to the side. Before you’re swept too far from shore, attempt to escape the riptide not by swimming against it but by swimming parallel to the shore.
Step 4: Swim to shore, and initiate lifesaving measures.
Once free of the riptide, swim steadily to shore, keeping the victim’s head above water. If possible, signal to someone to call emergency services. Once ashore, begin if the victim is not breathing, and wait for medical help to arrive. Wrap him in towels or blankets to warm him, especially if he is suffering from hypothermia or shock.
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Hi, although this information could help someone most of the time this will cause a bigger problem. Prevention is better then cure, people should learn how to identify a rip current and how to save themselves from the rip current. No one unless a BEACH LIFEGUARD should attept a rescue the way described above. This will end up in the person attempting the rescue in trouble aswell as the first person making two casualtys instead of one for another person to rescue or a lifeguard. Talk to the casualty tell them to swim parrell to shore then swim in. Throw them something or if you have to wade in if shallow enough. The big risk is because of panic that the victim could grab the person trying to perform the rescue and end up in them both drowning. ANOTHER POINT they way this article has described how to grab the casualty is terrible. It is tyring on the arm and legs and this will soon cause 2 victims either further out in the rip!!!! Swim at a lifeguarded beach!!!! if you are going to write a article on saving people from rip currents which are the biggest killers! please could you re-post the correct rescue technique ! its called towing a casualty where you make a gun shape with your fingers and grab under the chin and around it not touching the neck, this causes them to float on there back and you float underneath all you need to do then is both kick into shore!!!