The tragic loss of Tony Cilluffo in a drowning incident last week and the drownings of several other people in North Carolina waters should serve as a reminder that swimmers — even waders — should exercise extreme caution when in the water.
Even the most-experienced swimmers can find themselves in danger when in the fierce grip of a rip current. With the summer season barely under way, more and more people will head to rivers, lakes and the ocean to seek relief from the heat or just play in the cooling waters.
Whether in the Atlantic Ocean, in the Pamlico River or in a backyard pool, try to be as safe as possible when swimming. Swim with friends so you can look out for one another. If possible, swim where lifeguards are present. Heed warnings concerning rip currents, whether those warnings be red flags on the beach or spoken words by a lifeguard of other public-safety official.
Before entering the ocean, look for signs of rip currents. Some of those signs include the following:
• An area of swirling, choppy water;
• An area that has a notable difference in water color;
• A line of foam, debris or seaweed moving steadily seaward;
• A disruption in the incoming wave pattern.
Don’t fool yourself that “it won’t happen to me.” Too many people who believed that are no longer with us because it did happen to them.
Enjoy those trips to the river, lake, pool or beach this summer. Just make sure to be safe while enjoying the water.
Don’t become another tragic statistic regarding summer swimming.