At 11:18 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a rip current statement valid from Monday 6 p.m. until Tuesday 6 p.m. for Mobile and Baldwin counties.
The weather service describes, “Dangerous rip currents expected.”
“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” adds the weather service. “Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”
Mastering rip currents: Your safety guide
Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. The speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore. Trying to swim against a rip current will only use up your energy; the energy you need to survive and escape the rip current. If you get caught in a rip current, try to stay calm and follow the below advice from the weather service:…