Caution is advised for travelers enjoying time off in the Baltic Sea, as experts issue warnings.
As summer holidays approach, many families are flocking to popular destinations, with Germany being a favourite choice for many. However, the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) has issued a warning for vacationers, particularly those planning to visit the Baltic Sea.
The DLRG has highlighted the danger that the sea can pose, especially when it appears calm. Such situations can often go unnoticed, as they may indicate the presence of dangerous rip currents. These strong currents pull out into the open sea, not towards the shore, and can be a significant risk for swimmers, especially for families with children and older people.
A recent incident at the Baltic Sea has underscored the importance of this warning. It is crucial to be aware of the hazards and to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation.
When swimming in the North Sea, it is essential to exercise extra caution. The DLRG recommends always swimming with a buddy or in a group, never alone, and informing someone on shore about your swimming plans and expected return time. Checking local tide tables, weather conditions, especially wind direction and strength, and consulting coastguard advisories before entering the water is also advised.
Understanding the hazards of rip currents is vital. If caught in one, the DLRG advises staying calm, floating or treading water, and swimming parallel to the shore to escape the current before heading back to land. Knowing your entry and exit points well is also crucial, as North Sea beaches often have shifting tides and possible strong currents near the shore.
Acclimatizing gradually to cold water is essential to avoid cold water shock. Controlling breathing and staying calm if the water is very cold can help prevent any potential dangers. Wearing bright swim caps or using a tow float can also increase visibility and safety.
The DLRG emphasizes that the sea is not a swimming pool and can be dangerous due to currents, unexpected weather changes, and difficult-to-estimate water depths. Inexperienced swimmers or those unfamiliar with sea swimming, weak swimmers, children, and people who have limited knowledge of rip current behavior should exercise particular caution.
Anyone swimming alone or under the influence of alcohol, as well as swimmers with health conditions that may limit their ability to respond to cold or sudden currents, should also be aware of the increased risks associated with swimming in the open water.
The spokesperson for the DLRG urges vacationers to prioritize these precautions to help minimize risks when swimming in the challenging conditions of the North Sea. For more information, the DLRG provides additional warnings and advice on its partner portal "Moin.de."
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer holiday, it's crucial for families planning to visit the Baltic Sea to heed the DLRG's warning about the dangers of rip currents, even when the sea appears calm.
- When swimming in the North Sea, it's essential to remember that the sea is not a swimming pool and insidious hazards like rip currents, sudden weather changes, and hard-to-judge water depths could be present.
