Free Republic

Swimmers Warned About Dangerous Undertows, Rip Currents Four people have died and three vanished within two days at beaches in New York City and on Long Island, authorities said. At least three more have been rescued, they said. Officers were patrolling the waters off Coney Island Sunday in an attempt to search for a 10-year-old girl who went missing Saturday, CBS station WCBS-TV reported. Akira Johnson and her cousin Tyriek, 10, were playing in the ocean off West 23rd Street when they started to struggle in the water. People on shore yelled for lifeguards to help. "She's screaming, "There's kids...

Tragic water accidents happen quickly. The most common reason for aquatic mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge. Lifeguards recommend the following safety tips: • Learn to swim • Swim near a lifeguard • Never swim alone • Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present • Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water • If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against the current's pull • Alcohol and swimming don't mix • Protect your head, neck, and spine — don't dive into unfamiliar waters — feet...