In these days when the air temperature exceeds 40 degrees, many citizens from the surrounding provinces such as Gaziantep, Kilis, Osmaniye and Kahramanmaraş are flocking to Hatay, which is located on the Mediterranean coast, to cool off. This intense interest has caused a great increase in those who prefer beaches for their summer vacation.
However, there is a hidden danger waiting for vacationers: rip current . This current, which is especially common in the summer months, causes serious drowning cases on the 14-kilometer-long Samandağ coast. For this reason, citizens who do not have enough information about the region should be careful.
Hakan Karaca, a volunteer lifeguard on the Samandağ coast, emphasized that rip currents play an important role in drowning cases and issued the following warnings to citizens:
- People who encounter a rip current should never swim against the current.It is very important to remain calm and not panic.
- Swimming parallel to the shore is the most effective way to escape a rip current.
- If the current is too strong, it is recommended that you let go without struggling, because in this case the current will leave you after a while.
- Once you are free of the current, you can reach the beach safely by swimming parallel to the shore.
- It is very important to have lifeguards in areas where rip currents are common.
- Generally, swimming in crowded beaches increases safety; However, swimming in uninhabited areas should be avoided.
At this point, it should not be forgotten that holidaymakers should also consider their safety while enjoying the sea. While enjoying the summer season, it is always best to act with common sense.
