Three children were rescued from rip currents at Old Orchard Beach, with firefighters called to assist by lifeguards. Old Orchard Beach Fire Captain Normand Gendron reported that all three children were unharmed, even though one was found as far as a football field away from shore. Gendron emphasized the importance of parents paying attention to their kids, as rip currents can be dangerous even in knee-deep water, especially for children who are lighter.
The fire department has expressed concern about rip currents this summer due to winter storms creating sandbars that have increased the number of potential rip current locations in the water. Despite the rip current risk being low in coastal York County, including Old Orchard, this weekend, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that rip currents are always a possibility. NOAA advises swimmers caught in a rip current to swim out of it rather than against it.
Around 80% of ocean rescues are rip current-related, according to NOAA. With the increase in potential rip current locations this summer, it is crucial for beachgoers to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions. Gendron’s advice to pay attention to children, combined with NOAA’s guidance on how to safely navigate rip currents, highlights the importance of being vigilant while enjoying the beach.
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