Galveston County, TX

If you are headed to the beach, always be aware of current weather conditions and the rip current threat. There are color-coded flags placed on many beaches each day to communicate the current threat.

A green flag (low risk) indicates that strong rip currents are not likely. A yellow flag (moderate risk) means that there is a good chance for strong rip currents and a red flag (high risk) signals that strong rip currents are expected.

If you are caught in a rip current, here are some safety tips (from NOAA):

• Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
• Never fight against the current.
• Think of it as a treadmill that can't be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
• Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline.
• If you are unable to swim out of a rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore.
• If you are still unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard and throw the victim something that floats. Many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.