Dangerous rip currents plague area beaches Published April 13, 2009 By Noel Getlin Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The inviting waters of the Emerald Coast can lull many beachgoers into a false sense of security. Just because the waters are clear doesn't mean they are safe. Several beachgoers were pulled from the surf April 10-12, including two who lost their lives. One was an Eglin Airman, who was tossing a football with a relative in waist-deep water when they got caught in a rip current in Destin. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents account for more than 80 percent of rescues by lifeguards. Warning flags are posted on area beaches to let beachgoers know about water conditions. A green flag means surf conditions and currents are good; yellow means moderate and red means high surf and currents. Double red flag means water is closed to the public. But most importantly, don't enter the water if you can't swim. Rip currents, also known as rip tides, remain the biggest risk for swimmers. They are not easy to spot and occur even in shallow waters and are prevalent near jetties and piers. Rip currents are strong current flowing from the beach out seaward past breaking waves. Waders usually panic as they get pulled out toward the ocean. Here are a few simple steps to follow if you get caught in a rip current: · Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. · Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore. · If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore. · If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms and yell for help. · Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current. If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim, too. Get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1 . Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Be sure to follow these basic rules to stay safe on the beach: · Check warning flags before entering the water. Be conscious of your swimming abilities and never enter the water if you are unable to swim. · Always swim with a buddy, never swim alone. · Always swim near lifeguards. · Never dive or jump into unfamiliar water - always wade in. · Never turn your back to the ocean as unsuspecting waves can knock you off your feet. · If you can hear thunder, get off the beach and seek shelter. Lightning can strike miles away from the storm.