Lifeguards demonstrate rip current safety after Long Island ocean rescues
POINT LOOKOUT, Long Island (WABC) -- Officials in Point Lookout warned beachgoers about the dangers of rip currents following a rescue Tuesday night -- and demonstrated how lifeguards respond when swimmers are in trouble.
During a demonstration Wednesday, a lifeguard acting as a swimmer in distress was pulled by the current while treading water.
The whistle was blown, the lifeguard signaled for her to come in, and when she did not, a lifeguard swam to her and brought her to safety.
Officials said a riptide is a strong, fast-moving current that flows away from shore and can pull swimmers farther into the ocean.
"It really feels like a whirlpool sometimes, where you just get sucked out so quickly that you just don't realize," said lifeguard Noelle Russo.
Lifeguards are trained to spot a riptide.
"Our lifeguards on the stands are trained to identify rip currents, dangerous conditions, and anything that would put somebody in jeopardy," said Hempstead Chief Ocean Lifeguard Mike Romano.
They advised beachgoers to watch for signs such as different-colored water or a break in the wave pattern.
"The milky cloudy water is how we identify a riptide with our eyes as lifeguards," Russo said.
Lifeguards also emphasized the importance of remaining calm if caught in a rip current.
"I would say a lot of people do try and fight it and then they get over-exhausted and that is the worst thing you can do for yourself, luckily, we are watching," Russo said.
Officials said swimmers should swim parallel to the shore to escape a riptide.
On Wednesday, the Town of Hempstead announced the launch of the Riptide Safety Awareness Program.
"The town will increase signage around our beaches with tips on how to break the grip of a riptide if you are caught," said Hempstead Town Supervisor John Farretti.
Farretti said they will also be distributing these rip current safety brochures at ocean beaches and remind people to only swim when lifeguards are present.
The warning comes after five swimmers were saved by three off-duty lifeguards at Robert Moses on Tuesday night.
According to officials, the off-duty lifeguards were surfing nearby and brought the swimmers to shore.
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