The ocean is not a big swimming pool, it's a very powerful body of water that covers roughly 2/3rd's of the earths surface. Many people go to the beach, especially during the summer months. As swimmers you should always swim near a lifeguard, but all the beaches are not guarded. In some locations around the world the beach is patrolled each and everyday. During the summer, more lifeguard stands are up to keep up the demand for ocean rescues. But what happens if you go to an unguarded beach?

All beachgoers must be aware of the potential for dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are powerful, channeled water currents flowing away from shore into the open ocean. They typically extend from the shoreline, to the surf zone, and past the breakers, and into deeper water. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves. Rip currents cause more deaths in Florida than lightning. If caught in a rip current, do not swim directly to the shore, swim either from north to south, or south to north depending on the drift current. Most drift currents are from south to north during the summer months. Use caution whenever entering the water, and always swim near a lifeguard.