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[quote=”DavidCMurray”]Well, if you’ve been to any three ocean beaches, the odds are good that you’ve been in the vicinity of a rip current. Something that folks don’t appreciate is that these things change over time. What was calm water yesterday can be dangerous today and calm again tomorrow.
I didn’t even know you could see a rip current. I just googled a looked at photos.Pretty much the same advice for the Missouri River is you fall off a boat. Don’t even try to swim to shore; just start swimming a fast as you can down stream and maybe angle just a bit towards the bank. Eventually due to the bends in the river you will come to the bank of the river; unless you get in a whirlpool and then it is all over for you.
I got caught in an eddy swimming through a rapids on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon in ’82 and almost got left behind. It was a tense few minutes.
Surf fishermen learn to read the near-shore water and can recognize rip currents.
I am an avid sea kayaker. I am also a good swimmer. Nonetheless, when I began kayaking, I was apprehensive and very respectful of the ocean environment. Consequently, I have not yet had a bad experience. I am amazed at how many people stupidly and cavalierly venture into dangerous environments about which they know nothing. Taking a swim in unknown waters is no different than walking in a city park at night in a bad neighborhood. Situation awareness is a survival skill that is obviously absent in some people.
[quote=”sprite”]I am an avid sea kayaker. I am also a good swimmer. Nonetheless, when I began kayaking, I was apprehensive and very respectful of the ocean environment. Consequently, I have not yet had a bad experience. I am amazed at how many people stupidly and cavalierly venture into dangerous environments about which they know nothing. Taking a swim in unknown waters is no different than walking in a city park at night in a bad neighborhood. Situation awareness is a survival skill that is obviously absent in some people.[/quote]
Had friends that went camping in Florida. Told me they found a really cool trail system and camped there but they never saw anyone else. Later they found out the trails are made by Gators.
You are quite correct Sprite.[quote=”Versatile”][quote=”sprite”]I am an avid sea kayaker. I am also a good swimmer. Nonetheless, when I began kayaking, I was apprehensive and very respectful of the ocean environment. Consequently, I have not yet had a bad experience. I am amazed at how many people stupidly and cavalierly venture into dangerous environments about which they know nothing. Taking a swim in unknown waters is no different than walking in a city park at night in a bad neighborhood. Situation awareness is a survival skill that is obviously absent in some people.[/quote]
Had friends that went camping in Florida. Told me they found a really cool trail system and camped there but they never saw anyone else. Later they found out the trails are made by Gators.
You are quite correct Sprite.[/quote]Ha! That is funny! I am told Costa Rican Crocs can be aggressive (crocs in general). Not so much with Florida gators except during mating and nesting seasons.
I took a small, narrow motor boat ride up the Sarapiqui once. It was Easter vacation and I saw many spots along the river where Tico families were enjoying the sandy river beaches. Small children played in the water along the banks with wild waters dangerously rushing by within a few meters. Then I saw a young man floating in a sitting position in an inflated tire tube, fishing while being moved down stream by the strong current. Within a few minutes of these sights, I saw a 12 foot croc sunning on a beach only a little further down. I asked the Tico boat driver if all those people were not afraid of the dangerous fast river and the crocs. He replied that Ticos are not afraid of much because they live there. I guess one can get jaded about danger after a while.
[quote=”waggoner41″]Stupid is as stupid does…Forrest Gump[/quote]
I do not even remember when I learned to swim. Before my earliest memories, actually.
Listen up… YOU DO NOT NEED TO LEARN TO SWIM TO SURVIVE DEEP WATER… JUST KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER.
How???
1)Keep your cool… PANIC KILLS.
2)Kick your feet gently and wave your hands front and back, called “treading water. You can do this for hours without tiring.
3)Call for help when possible, again, keep your cool.
The MOST important advise…STAY CALM, PANIC IS THE KILLER, NOT THE WATER
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