Rip Tides and Water Woes

Rip Tides/Rip Currents

Rip tides are something we will encounter almost every time we go to the beaches. There will be lifeguards on most beaches who are all to glad to blow their whistles at the gringo idiots in the water, so to get ahead of the stereotype, lets educate ourselves on what to look for to avoid riptides and dangerous ocean situations.

Riptides are ocean waves that overlap at an angle to the beach, they are fairly easy to spot, and the lifeguards usually post signs where the riptides are but they move so you need to be aware. Riptides are dangerous because they will suck you under and out to sea VERY quickly. It isn't the normal pull of a wave that we're used to, it'll be very strong.

Here's a video explaining in animation what is happening in the ocean to cause the riptides and what to do if you get caught in one (ignore the stuff at the end about their beaches):

RECAP:

• Try to stay calm, panic makes it harder to act and think clearly.
• Do not swim against the rip current (straight back to shore), you will exhaust yourself.
• If you feel the rip start to pull you, float facing the beach and wave your arm to try to get the lifeguard's attention.
• The rip will only take you out around 50-75 yards, probably not a mile.
• Swim PARALLEL, that means you swim along the beach, not back towards it.
• Once you get out of the rip, let the waves take you back to shore or swim.
• Remember, conserve energy! If you get exhausted, you won't be able to stay afloat and that is the most important thing. In the warm waters of Costa Rica, you can float, so just float in the rip, when the pull lessens, swim along the beach and then back to shore at an angle.

Dehydration

While we're catching waves and rays on the beach it's very important to stay hydrated! Feeling thirsty is a sign of dehydration, in Costa Rica we will be sweating, a lot, and we will be active swimming and hiking, so we will be losing a lot of fluids. It's important to replenish your fluids, and not just with water! Also with electrolytes! So drink a Gatorade or bring some powder mixes to add to your water to ensure that your body has all the fluids it needs. Our body is about 2/3 water, dehydration is when you don't have enough water in your body, it can slow you down and make you feel sick so listen to your body, if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, if your mouth feels dry or sticky and if you aren't peeing a lot or it's dark, you need to hydrate!

If you are dehydrated, drink water, drink a coconut, drink electrolytes, stay in the shade, wear loose fitting clothes, and stay cool and relaxed.

Drinking alcohol is NOT hydrating! Water or electrolytes! Match each cerveza with an agua!


 Water Quality

 On top of drinking enough water, watch what kind of water you're drinking!

Drinking water in Costa Rica can be contaminated with bacteria (E. Coli), protozoa (Giardia), viruses  and pollutants, especially after a heavy rainfall. Bottled water is the way to go, get the big jugs.

Keep in mind that if you get a stomach flu while we're there, it will be very hard to stay hydrated because everything is coming right out the other end. Let people know that you feel lousy; relax and hydrate while your system flushes itself out. The locals are used to the water, but your immune system isn't used to the different pathogens in the water and it can make you sick if you're not careful. Expect to get some traveler's diarrhea there and here when you return.

Here are some drinking water tips from independenttraveler.com to avoid contamination:

Bottled water is generally safe, but only in sealed, tamper-proof containers. In addition to bottled water, you'll usually be safe drinking tea, coffee, canned soda and juice, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. To be sure, just wipe the lip of the can or bottle with a towel or napkin to ensure that the perspiration on the outside of the container isn't contaminated. You don't need to drink contaminated water to be exposed; always consider alternate sources of exposure, like the water you use to brush your teeth, or to wash your contact lenses or mouth guards/retainers. Be sure to use bottled, boiled or purified water for these purposes as well. Freezing water does not kill bacteria. A margarita on the rocks may sound appealing, but ice cubes present the same problem that tap water does. You can make your own ice if you boil the water first or used bottled water. Ask the restaurant if they make ice with bottled water, if they don't you can ask for no ice in your soda or water. Don't drink the stream, river, ocean that you're swimming in or walking along!