PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Following the recent, tragic drownings in the Chesapeake Bay off of Cove Point, citizens are cautioned to be aware of hazardous conditions caused by tidal currents reacting to certain geological formations.
“We are deeply saddened by recent drownings off of Cove Point,” said Steve Weems, president of the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners. ”Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who have been impacted. In an effort to educate swimmers, we are in the process of posting signs at Cove Point Beach alerting swimmers to potential dangers of swimming in open water. We encourage everyone swimming in open waters to make sure to take all necessary precautions to avoid injury.”
Citizens are asked to review the following safety information regarding rip currents:
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties; permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.
- If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and do not fight the current.
- Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
- Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore.
- If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
- If you can’t make it to the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.
- If someone is in trouble in the water, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, call 911. Throw the victim something that floats – a lifejacket, cooler, inflatable ball — and yell instructions on how to escape the current.
- Always check conditions before entering the water to make sure you know of any potential hazards. Do not swim or wade in an area where conditions exist that amplify tidal currents, such as narrow points where water depths can be extreme and little if any warning exists identifying the change in water depth or the current.