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Types of Currents and How to Escape Them
River rapid
What it is: White water, fast-moving water;
unpredictable, often changing
direction.
How to escape: Roll over onto
your back and go downstream feet
first to avoid hitting your head.
When you are out of the strongest
part of the current, swim straight
toward the shore. Because of the
current, you will actually move
downstream at an angle toward
the shore.
Hydraulic current
What it is: A strong force created
by water flowing downward over
an object and then reversing its
flow. The reverse flow can trap
and hold a person under.
How to escape: Swim to the bottom
and then swim out with the current to
reach the surface.
Ocean currents
What it is: A Longshore Current moves
parallel to the shore, carrying a
swimmer farther down the beach.
How to escape: Try to swim toward
shore while moving along with the
current. (You will eventually get to
shore, although you may be
some distance from where you
entered the water.)
Rip Current
What it is: A Rip Current that moves
straight out to sea beyond the breaking
waves. Rip currents can carry a swimmer
into deep water.
How to escape: Swim parallel to the
shore until you are out of the current. Once
you are free, turn and swim toward the
shore.
Dams
Swimming, fishing and boating near a dam requires
special precautions. Be sure to observe the following
rules:
• Watch for open floodgates. When floodgates are
opened, the water level can rise quickly below the
dam and can create a dangerous wall of water.
• Never swim or boat near a dam. If gates open at a
hydroelectric power dam, the current can pull
swimmers and even boaters who are above the dam
into and through the dam.
• Avoid low-head dams on rivers. When water flows
over a low-head dam, a hydraulic current is
created. Boats and canoes have been caught in such
hydraulic currents.
• Always check out rivers and lakes before
swimming or boating so you won’t find yourself
too close to a dam.
• Obey warning signs and warning signals
immediately.
| This page is from The American Red Cross Longfellow's WHALE Tales Leader’s Packet. WHALE Tales materials and other water safety information is available through your local Red Cross chapter or at https: //www.shopstaywell.com. Courtesy of the American National Red Cross. All rights reserved in all countries. |