Last weekend was one of the deadliest in memory at Long Island beaches, with six swimmers drowning due to rip currents. Long Islanders are blessed to live a short drive from world-class ocean beaches, but unfortunately those beautiful beaches can have very dangerous surf.

The National Weather Service and NOAA have launched an awareness campaign about rip currents. Among their safety tips are:

When at the beach:

* Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.

* Never swim alone.

* Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.

* Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don't go out.

* Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.

* Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.

* Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

If caught in a rip current:

* Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

* Never fight against the current.

* Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.

* Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle—away from the current—towards shore.

* If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.

* If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

More information can be found online at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov

Meg Morgan Norris

Publisher