Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

WESTERLY -- Lifeguards at Misquamicut State Beach raced into the water five times this morning to rescue swimmers caught in dangerous rip-tide currents.

"You can't fight Mother Nature," said Misquamicut lifeguard Leah DelGiudice. The sun-tanned blonde nursed a red rope burn on her right shoulder caused by pulling ashore swimmers with a yellow lifeline.

She and nine other lifeguard spent much of their morning blowing on whistles, motioning swimmers to return to shore -- and hauling in those who didn't.

No one was seriously hurt, but lifeguards said the combination of high waves and wide and powerful currents forced them to restrict swimming to a central part of the beach. The currents can form instantly, and drag even strong swimmers far from shore.

Recently, high waves have broken bones -- necks, backs, collar bones, arms and legs -- at Misquamicut, said Lifeguard Supervisor Andrew Girard. The lifeguards have participated in 200 rescues since June 30, he said.

At Narragansett Town Beach, there have been 175 rescues -- 120 in the last two weeks. "We're breaking records," said Dave Cannon, waterfront manager.

The pace is so brutal that Girard recommends that lifeguards take a few days off. As a result, there were 10 on duty at Misquamicut today, a few less than normal, he said.

About 1,500 visitors come to the beach each day. When the waves are rough and the danger of rip tides is high, lifeguards put out red flags and restrict swimming. Signs posted outside of the beach's restrooms illustrate rip tides and how to escape them. Warnings boom from a loudspeaker every half-hour.

"You have to have a lot of respect" for nature on a day like today, said DelGiudice. If not, "You're going to be a victim of the rip tides," she said. "That's why we have lifeguards."

His advice is supported by the No. 1 and 2 tips on dealing with rip currents, from the National Weather Service:

Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach. Never swim alone.

Extra: More tips on dealing with rip currents, from the NWS.

-- Journal staff writer Paul Davis

Video: Treacherous riptides give Misquamicut lifeguards a workout

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