Know Before You Go

Winds-Waves-Dangerous Currents
Don't use inflatables when in the Great Lakes as offshore winds can carry them far and fast away from shore.
Cold water shock can impact your abilities, check water temperatures before heading to the water.
Learn what drowning looks like.
Do not attempt a rescue, throw something that floats. Would be rescuers oftentimes become victims themselves.
WATER WATCHERS are undistracted responsible adults watching the water for any signs of a water emergency. Designate a water watcher for your group before anyone enters the water.
Learn about Dangerous Water Conditions, water currents, offshore winds, etc.
Look up local water and weather conditions, look for water safety tools available at the beach you will be visiting, and pay attention to signs posted at the beach.

WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T GO OUT!

Rip Currents will pull you out past sand bars away from the beach. It is recognized by a calm area in between the breaking waves. Flip, Float + Follow if you get caught in a Rip Current until you can swim parallel to shore and swim in at an angle.

Longshore Currents will pull you in the direction of the wind along the beach. If you feel that you are being pulled parallel to shore flip, float and follow the current until you can swim in to shore.

Structural Currents are currents that run along structures in the water such as piers and break walls. These currents will pull you out into open water along side of the structure. Call for help, flip float and follow until you can get out of the current then swim back to shore away from the structure. Do NOT swim within 100yards of a structure.

Offshore winds can quickly push people on innertubes out into open water far from shore. You can also get caught in a rip current while on an innertube. Stay with the innertube should this happen to you and signal or yell for help. If you see this happening never enter the water to try to rescue someone, always call for help immediately.