How to Swim Through the Waves

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Never turn your back on the incoming waves.

   Or at least be aware of each wave approaching you.
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   Step 2: Always swim where there is a lifeguard.

   Ask the lifeguard where it is safe to go in the water.
   
   If there are rip currents or other concerns, he will tell you where they are and how to avoid them.
   
   Also glance back at the shore once in a while to see if the lifeguard is trying to get your attention.
   
   If there are rip currents, the lifeguard may want you to move or get out of the water. , Be prepared to suddenly step up or down if the bottom is uneven. , But as the water gets deeper, or the waves get more powerful, it is far easier to go under the waves. , If the surf is relatively gentle, you can just squat down with you head a little below the surface, lean toward the incoming wave, and let the breaking wave or whitewater pass over you.
   
   Take a big breath, and just before the wave hits you duck down, wait for the wave to pass over, and come up for air.
   
   This should only take a few seconds. , You can also face the wave and lift your feet off the bottom and fall backwards toward the bottom and let the wave pass over you. , This will help to keep you down on the surface and to help you get through the wave.
   
   If you are close enough to the shore, you should just be able to get out of the water,this might be tricky due to the pull of the wave. , With practice, the waves will hardly slow you down. ,, Don't try to fight it.
   
   The wave will let you go in a few seconds.
   
   Then surface and breathe and look for the next wave.
   
   Always be aware of the next wave that is coming.
   
   See Step
   1.
   
   Once you are used to the feeling of being tossed around, it can be fun.
   
   The important thing is to relax, knowing that in a few seconds it will let you go.
   
   You might find it more comfortable to put yourself in a fetal position when this happens. ,, The signal for requesting assistance is waving one or two arms over your head. , It will push you toward shore a little.
   
   Then keep swimming, always aware of the next wave that is coming.
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   Step 3: Be aware that the bottom may have deep and shallow spots.

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   Step 4: When you are in shallower water

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   Step 5: up to about thigh or waist deep

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   Step 6: you can usually stay standing up and brace against the incoming waves.

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   Step 7: The easiest way to let a wave pass is to duck under the wave.

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   Step 8: If the surf is strong

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   Step 9: you can dive under the wave down to the bottom and lie down on the bottom as the wave passes.

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    Step 10: If you see an exceptionally big wave approaching

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    Step 11: the best approach is to run straight towards it (before the wave gets too big to dive under)

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    Step 12: when you get close enough

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    Step 13: take a deep breath

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    Step 14: dive down to the floor of the ocean

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    Step 15: and do an underwater pull-down.

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    Step 16: If you are a strong swimmer

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    Step 17: or have fins on

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    Step 18: you can just swim right out

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    Step 19: submerging under each approaching wave.

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    Step 20: If the surf is challenging for you

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    Step 21: you will want to either stay in shallow water where you can easily stand up

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    Step 22: or swim away from shore out past where the biggest waves are breaking.

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    Step 23: If you find yourself caught by a wave and tumbled around

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    Step 24: relax!.

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    Step 25: If you find yourself getting beat up by the waves

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    Step 26: you either need to go into shallow water

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    Step 27: or get away from shore past the waves.

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    Step 28: If you ever feel like you are trouble

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    Step 29: wave at the lifeguard

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    Step 30: and ask for help.

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    Step 31: To get back in if you are where the waves are breaking

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    Step 32: swim toward shore

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    Step 33: and when a wave comes

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    Step 34: take a deep breath

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    Step 35: relax and hold your breath when the wave comes.

Detailed Guide

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