World Drowning Prevention Day

Today, July 25th, we celebrate World Drowning Prevention Day.

Deaths by drowning in the sea are often caused by rip currents. This phenomenon occurs in the sea, near beaches. These are areas without waves, where the water has a different hue and foam on the surface. A rip current appears to be a calm area, but in reality, it is where the sea current is strongest.

Someone who finds themselves in a rip current should avoid swimming against the current, as they will tire and lose strength. They should try not to panic, keep floating, and signal for help by waving towards the beach.

Rip currents are one of the oceanographic phenomena studied by the Oceanography Division of the Hydrographic Institute (IH). Awareness and education are the priorities of the IH, so we can safely enjoy our beaches.