How to protect yourself from reverse flow

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Content

Steps
Tips
Warnings

Strong backcurrents, sometimes referred to as turbulent currents or undercurrents, account for about 80 percent of surf beach rescue operations. This current claims about 100 lives every year in the United States of America alone, and it can happen on any beach, for example, the ocean or even a large lake, where there is a break in the waves. But, despite the large number of deaths that have occurred due to the reverse flow, it is quite easy to overcome, even if you are captured in one of them. However, the safest and easiest method is to abstain from swimming in such waters, which fortunately is fairly easy to do.

Steps

1 Learn to swim. This should be taken for granted, as being able to swim is the most important skill for being in the water safely. But remember that swimming in the surf is very different from swimming in a pool or lake, as it is difficult to test your limits in calm waters.
2 Find out how you can determine the reverse flow before you get into it. There are a number of ways you can do this. Reverse current often appears as a streak or small patch of water that either looks unusually calm compared to the surrounding water or is colored differently from the rest of the water at that location. You can see a streak of muddy or sandy water and debris being carried out to sea through the surf. The water line on the shore is usually lower where there is current than in adjacent waters, and wave heights in this area can also be lower. The presence of depressions on the bank, which is perpendicular to the reverse current, also serves as a good indicator of such a current at this point. The reverse current is usually quite narrow and rarely exceeds 15 to 30 meters wide.
3 Swim in areas with lifeguards. Reverse currents can occur near any beach (including the beaches of large lakes) where there are large waves. Therefore, choose beaches with professional lifeguards.
4 Swim in crowded places. Bathing in a single face is not a good idea, as no one can help you if something happens. Swim with a friend, or at least next to other people.
5 Avoid piers and marinas. A constant reverse flow often develops near quays and marinas, so try to be at least 300 meters away from these structures.
6 Pay attention to warnings. Many beaches are equipped with reverse flow warning signs. Follow the directions on these signs, even if it means you won't be able to swim at the beach. Keep in mind, however, that the absence of warning labels does not mean that the water is safe. In this case, you should ask the local residents, and preferably the rescuers, how safe the water is where you are going to swim. Rescuers will be able to issue a warning if they detect the presence of a current, or can guide you away from a potentially dangerous area. Don't ignore their warnings.
7 Find out how you can survive the reverse flow. You can always avoid running into the tide by following the above tips and exercising caution. But at the same time, you should know what to do if you get caught up in the current. You can find out more by going to the related wikiHow link.
8 In no case do not risk your life, even if you saw that someone was captured by the current. There are many cases of people drowning trying to help. If you notice that someone is being swept up by the reverse current, immediately inform the rescuers. If there are no rescuers nearby, then call the emergency services. You can also throw a rescue object or something that floats on the water so he or she can grab onto it and speak loudly about what the person needs to do to get out.If you are the only one who can help, enter the water only if you are a strong swimmer and you yourself know how to get out of the carrying current.

Tips

Do not leave children unattended when you are on the beach. It is unlikely that children can recognize a reverse current, and they can easily be carried out into the sea even by a light current. They are most prone to panic when a dangerous situation arises.
Reverse current most often occurs near places such as reefs, marinas (man-made), docks and rocky outcrops. You will have less chance of encountering reverse flow if you avoid such places.
Wear polarized sunglasses to help identify signs of reverse flow.
In many countries, meteorological services provide surf forecasts for many coastal areas. These projections include information on the risk of local return flow. So it will be helpful to check the forecast before going to the beach.
“Bottom current from shore to sea” or “turbulent current” is the same as reverse current. “Reverse flow” is the most accurate description of the phenomenon. The term “bottom current from shore to sea” is misleading, as the current carries people out to sea, but it does not pull them to the bottom.
The reverse flow deserves respect, but you do not need to be afraid of it. Sometimes lifeguards deliberately enter it in order to quickly get to someone outside the surf. Surfers are also adept at using the current to catch the wave. But it should be borne in mind that lifeguards and surfers are very experienced swimmers and have a lot of experience in surfing, so most of us are better off avoiding the reverse flow. However, if you are overwhelmed, remain calm.