Student Rescued After Being Swept 750 Meters Offshore by Rip Current at Taiwan Beach

A junior high school student narrowly escaped a dangerous situation at Shalu Beach in New Taipei City after being caught in a powerful rip current. The student was playing with four friends when the strong current pulled him about 750 meters from the shore, leaving him unable to swim back due to exhaustion.

His companions quickly alerted authorities, and the Coast Guard's Third Patrol Command dispatched a patrol boat and a rescue boat. Rescuers reached the student, who was drifting with the waves, and threw him a lifebuoy. He was then pulled onto the rescue boat.

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The student remained calm and waited for rescue, narrowly saving his life.

The student was conscious upon rescue and was taken to Tamsui Mackay Memorial Hospital for observation. He later learned from the Coast Guard that he had encountered a dangerous rip current. His friends' prompt action in reporting the incident was crucial in facilitating his timely rescue.

The Eighth Coastal Patrol Brigade reminded the public to remain calm and avoid swimming against rip currents, as this quickly depletes energy. They advised swimming parallel to the shoreline to escape the current's pull. If unable to escape, conserving energy by floating and signaling for help is recommended. The public can reach the Coast Guard for emergencies by dialing 118.

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When encountering a rip current, do not panic or swim against the current, as this will quickly deplete your energy. You can swim parallel to the coastline to escape the current. If you cannot escape, float, conserve energy, and wave for help.