How to survive deadly rip current: Dubai Police

Dubai Police has issued a safety alert for beachgoers, warning them of rip current that occurs close to the shoreline.

This warning comes in wake of two people drowning in Dubai in the first seven months of the year, while 45 were saved, but suffered injuries.

Rip currents, also known as riptides or undertows, occur when a strong sea current moves in the opposite direction of the shoreline, which has the ability to push swimmers out to the sea.

Found near beaches, this localised and narrow current of water is strongest near the surface and has the ability to cut through the lines of breaking waves, making it difficult for even strong swimmers to fight against it.

Dubai Police has instructed beachgoers to follow these instructions if they get caught in a rip current:

·        Do not attempt to swim against the current

·        Swim parallel to the shoreline

·        If you cannot escape, float on your back or tread water

·        Call or wave for assistance

Beaches in Dubai follow a ‘Red Flag’ warning system, and authorities maintain that a majority of the victims are those who ignore such warnings and enter the sea either to swim or for water sports.

Last year, three people drowned while one died due to an accident in the water, occurring from 56 accidents in total where 10 suffered major injuries, 12 medium and 44 minor injuries.

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