REVISTA PALMAS_66 ABRIL 2022

Rip currents can be found
every day at surf beaches
throughout the U.S. and Puerto
Rico. Under most tide and sea
conditions, the speeds are relatively
slow. However, under
certain wave, tide, and beach
profile conditions the speeds
can quickly increase to become
dangerous to anyone entering
the surf. The strength and
speed of a rip current will likely
increase as wave height and
wave period increase.
According to the United
States Lifesaving Association,
NOAA and National Weather
Service statistics Rip Currents
are the leading surf hazard to all beach goers. Over 100 drownings
due to Rip Currents occur every year in the United States and more than
48,000 of the people rescued from drowning are due to rip currents.
These currents are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers.
Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second but speeds as high
as 8 feet per second have been measured. They are invisible to the untrained
eye and can happen without warning.
To avoid becoming a victim of a rip current you should learn how to
swim in the surf or the beach. It is not the same as swimming in a pool
or a lake. Look for posted signs and warning red flags which indicate
higher than usual hazards. Obey all instructions and warnings provided
by the beach patrols and always assume rip currents are present even
if you don’t see them.
Experts recommend that if caught in a rip current, try to remain calm
to conserve energy. Don’t fight the current; think of it like an aquatic
treadmill you can’t turn off. You want to step to the side of it. Swim
across the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of
the current, swim and angle away from the current and towards shore.
If you can’t escape this way, try to
float or calmly tread water. Rip
currents eventually subside offshore
and, when it does, swim toward
shore. If at any time you feel
you will be unable to reach shore,
draw attention to yourself: face the
shore, wave your arms and yell for
help.
You can help someone caught in
a rip current getting the attention
of the beach patrol or a lifeguard.
If no beach patrol or lifeguard is
available have someone call Palmas
Security at 787-852-7745
/852-7775 or 911. Throw the rip
current victim something that
floats such as lifejacket, a cooler or
a ball and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember many have
drowned trying to help others. Don’t become a victim while trying to
help someone else.
Information contained in this article has been obtained from the
National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA), the National
Weather Service (NWS) and the United States Lifesaving Association
sources. s
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Dog Rules
Palmas residents and visitors are reminded that the restrictive covenants
of our community prohibit dogs from running loose anywhere in
Palmas del Mar. All dogs must be leashed and their owners responsible
for cleaning after their pets. Habitual violators of these restrictions will
be subject to fines by PHA.
Often dogs are seen loose at the beach or in residential areas scaring
children, beachgoers, joggers, and walkers. Please keep in mind that a
dog may be very docile with the owner but you cannot guarantee how
he will react to a stranger or to another person. Also, a child can fall and
hurt himself while running away from a seemingly playful dog chasing
after him.
Please enjoy the company of your pet while helping to keep the entire
community safe and happy. And remember...we have now a DOG PARK,
let your dog run free in a controlled environment. The dog park is situated
next to the Children’s Park. s