Rip1

While I realize it's only February, warmer weather and beachgoing is just around the corner. Time to review some ocean safety.Please be mindful of rip currents and know what to do if caught in one. Rips are fairly easy to spot, so when you get to the beach, observe the surf and locate the rips. Anywhere there's a jetty, there's a rip, so please take care not to get too close to them. Surfers often use the rips to assist them in paddling out, so be mindful of where they are and avoid the area.If caught in a rip, there are two methods of getting out of it.1. Swim parallel to the shore and out of the rip.2. Allow the rip to take you out. It will dissipate soon and you can swim back to the shore - avoiding the rip of course.People drown unnecessarily every year by not knowing these simple rules. They panic, get tired, and drown. Know what to look for and remember kai palakana - ALWAYS!