Swim to Survive: We go in to the waves
Friday, 16 January 2015
You fancy a quick dip to cool off from the sun.
You're only planning to venture a wee way out into the waves, but when you turn to face the beach, you can't spot your towel or your friends. The current has pulled you a long way across.
Cramp starts to set in and that T-shirt you decided to put on to protect yourself from the sun begins to feel heavy on your chest.
This is all suddenly a bit scary. What do you do?
Our reporter Aimee Gulliver went into the waves at Wellington's Lyall Bay to learn first-hand about staying safe in the water.
Where is the safest place to swim this summer?
A patrolled beach means surf lifesavers are there to help swimmers in trouble.
Lifeguards place flags on the beach where they have identified the safest spot - so swim between the flags.
Water Safety NZ chief executive Matt Claridge says that if the beach is unpatrolled, people should seriously consider staying out of the water.
What to do if you get in trouble while swimming?
If you need help, keep calm and raise your hand straight up in the air.
Lifeguards will swim to you with a rescue tube or approach in an inflatable rescue boat.
Don't panic - the lifeguards are trained to help you, and staying calm and following their instructions will help them to do so.
What does a rip look like?
Ripsy are out-going currents that leave flat, calm patches in the surf with waves breaking on each side.
Other signs of a rip include rippled, discoloured, or foamy water.
Rips can quickly sweep a swimmer out to sea and exhaust someone trying to work against the strong current.
They can be difficult to spot, and easy to inadvertently walk into.
Water Safety NZ recommends learning to recognise rips so you can avoid them.
Lifeguards are also trained to recognise rips, so check if you're unsure.
What to do if you get caught in a rip?
First and most importantly, don't panic.
Let the rip carry you out until the current weakens - fight the urge to swim against it.
Once the rip has taken you out behind the waves, swim parallel to the shore for about 30 metres, before swimming back to the beach.
Lifeguards also recommend floating on your back if you are in trouble to preserve energy, and wait until the rip has stopped taking you out before swimming away from it.
As always, if you are swimming at a patrolled beach, raise your hand straight up in the air to let lifeguards know if you need help.
What to do if you get cramp?
Relax, lie flat on your back and take a few deep breaths to try recover, lifeguard Zoe Canvin says.
If the cramp persists, put your hand straight up in the air to alert lifeguards you need help.
What to wear swimming?
If you are going to wear something over togs, go for a wetsuit, rash top, or board shorts.
Denim or cotton clothes can weigh you down, and restrict your movement in the water.
How to ensure you don't get out of your depth?
Preparation is key - check the weather and water conditions on the day, and if you're unsure, stay on dry land.
Pay close attention to children, and always swim with others in areas where lifeguards are patrolling.
Know your limits, and stick to them.
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