The St. Lucie County Parks & Recreation Department is hosting three sessions using their new rip current simulation machine, which creates controlled currents in swimming pools to teach proper escape techniques. Jennifer Gill, St. Lucie County Parks & Recreation manager, said education is one of the most effective tools to prevent water-related emergencies. The demonstrations allow participants to experience how a rip current works in a safe, controlled environment while learning skills that could save their life or the life of someone they love. According to the National Weather Service, there have been 23 rip current fatalities this year so far in the United States. Many swimmers make a critical mistake when caught in a rip current by trying to swim directly back to shore, which often leads to dangerous exhaustion. The proper technique is to remain calm, swim parallel to the shoreline until escaping the current, then swim back to shore at an angle.
The county has scheduled three free demonstrations this summer. The first is July 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Park Pool, with registration required and limited to 50 participants. The second is July 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boatwright Pool as part of the Back-to-School Splash Jam event, with no registration required and first-come, first-served. The third is August 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ravenswood Pool, with registration required and limited to 50 participants.