Islanders encouraged to stay aware, prepared during high surf

Guam has been experiencing high surf and hazardous seas with rip currents that can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. The Guam Fire Department's rescue units have responded to a handful of incidents in the island's waters over the past few weeks. And the agency reminds the community to be smart and be informed when planning outdoor activities whether it be going to the beach or hiking.

Firefighter I Darren Apiag is with the Guam Fire Department Rescue Unit and he says a good thing to do when planning a beach day is to check the weather forecast from the National Weather Service.

"Check if there is any warnings," he suggested, "for example, the high surf advisory or the small craft advisories. If those exist, it makes water activities that much more dangerous. Obviously, there are ways you can go around that, by staying away from the breaks, staying away from the reefs, and more so being on the safe side of your water activities."

With the recent influx of water related incidents, Apiag recommends the use of personal floatation devices not only for weak swimmers or children but it should be for every level of swimming abilities. Because…you never know.

"A cramp comes on, or the natural hazards, for example, jellyfish sting. And what happens if you are struggling to stay afloat?" he said. "We like to also emphasize using a buddy system…one of your will be carrying a phone whether it be through a dry bag or a weatherproof case."

He says that if a problem happens to arise, a call for help could be placed right away instead of having to swim back to shore, which can cause a delay for assistance. And if you plan on heading out alone make sure you inform someone.

"Let them know what you're doing, where you're going, how long you plan to be out. That way, if the time comes and they aren't able to reach you, they know it's probably best to call and see if we can find you or locate you," he said.

Guam has dangerous currents and rip tides and Apiag says that if you find yourself caught in one, do not swim against it, it will exhaust you.

He tells the community, "Don't panic. We suggest swimming in a perpendicular direction, of the flow of the current or the riptide. Just to get out of that moving water."

Apiag says that they just want everyone to be safe while enjoying their time out in the water. However, if it looks dangerous, noting, "You have that feeling in you. Stay away. In Tumon, you have the reef that is away from where everyone is conducting their activities...there is still that play room. When it comes to exiting the channels or kayaking outside of the reef, fishing, or spearfishing - if you get that gut feeling and it feels wrong.

"Just listen to your gut."