Red Cross and United States Lifeguard Association – Rip Current Safety
The Red Cross and United States Lifeguard Association U.S.L.A. have earned big respect for the long time and continued Marine Ocean Safety performed in San Diego California, through out America and world wide.
This is an open letter to you and the public in hopes of precipitating outdated and over due lifesaving changes in current Rip Current policies adopted by the Red Cross and United States Lifeguard Association U.S.L.A. over fifty years ago.
Current (and outdated) Rip Current policies promoted by the Red Cross and United States Lifeguard Association U.S.L.A. and taught by Jr. Lifeguard programs through out the nation are obsolete, incomplete and potentially dangerous.
Scientific studies by Oceanographer Dr. J. MacMahan have proven swimming side ways to escape rip currents is more dangerous than simply floating on one’s back.
Rather than advocating “blindly” swimming parallel to the beach to escape rip currents we the Willis brothers Milton B. Willis and Michael C. Willis advocate the Willis Way — swim to the nearest waves to escape rip currents.
In addition current Red Cross Rip Current and United States Lifeguard Association policies do not address how to effectively avoid Rip Currents. The Willis way to avoid Rip Currents states simply wade or swim in front of the waves.
Current Red Cross and United States Lifeguard Association U.S.L.A. Rip Current policy NEEDS to be updated to ensure better and more accurate lifesaving information for the public.
New signs should be posted to replace the current outdated signs and all Jr. Lifeguard programs need to discontinue disseminating inaccurate and outdated safety information concerning Rip Currents and updated to the Willis Way to survive Rip Currents.
We will be happy to meet with you and a panel of qualified Ocean Safety experts at any time in an effort to help establish safer and more intelligent Ocean Safety Policy for the benefit of the current population and future generations alike.
Thank you,
Milton B. Willis and Michael C. Willis.
Completely agree with the Willis way to survive rip currents. Had a bad experience with rip currents in the islands one time, had I known the Willis way I would have saved myself from ever getting into trouble in the first place. The sooner The Red Cross and U.S.L.A. adopt and implement the Willis way the better for all.
In addition to the Red Cross teaching the Willis way to survive rip currents High Schools that offer surfing P.E. should expose students to this valuable life saving information!
Just curious as to the position of the Red Cross, U.S.L.A. and Jr. Lifeguards on the Willis way concerning rip current policy? Any official word from these organizations as to whether or not they agree and if not why? If so, WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO PROGRESS?
Well after a great deal of effort to contact the Red Cross, Jr. Lifeguards and U.S.L.A. we have yet to receive an official response!!! Perhaps concerned and responsible parents as yourself should contact the Jr. Guards when signing their children up and or submit an inquiry to either the Red Cross, U.S.L.A. or both!!! Thank you for your comment.
After reading this information Im surprised the Red Cross and Jr. Guards have not already adopted the Willis Way. I have a lot of respect for the Red Cross and the Willis Way. Thank you Willis Brothers.
Experienced Australian surfers have known for years what the Willis brothers are promoting in regards to surviving rips. Hope someone’s listening. Good effort mates, and good on ya!
Thank you Stevo for the support and please help spread the word.
Was at a guarded beach yesterday in Encinitas California where I know in recent years several drownings have occurred. I noticed signs posted (perhaps 20 years ago) stating ‘Swim Parallel” to survive rip currents and No mention of how to avoid rip currents at all. I am another concerned citizen who agrees with the Willis brothers – – – the time is NOW to replace those antique signs with the “Willis way” swim to the waves to escape rip currents swim in front of the waves to avoid rip currents. Save lives the Willis way!
Swimming parallel to the beach to escape rip currents is like a one size fits all, it doesn’t work out in every situation.
We are in complete agreement on this point (as are many Ocean Safety Experts) and this is why we advocate swim to the waves to escape rip currents!!! The Willis way to escape rip currents (swim to the waves) is proven to work 100% of the time.
Thank you Willis brothers I just donated $100 to your campaign to save lives hope it helps!
The most important part of our campaign is concerned people as yourself WHO CARE. Your generous donation and support help make the ocean a safer place for all. Blessings and Respect Amanda.
Change the rip current policy to the Willis way today!