OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine — Strong currents have caused dangerous swimming conditions this summer.
The number of rescues at Old Orchard Beach is already above average.
With two weeks left of the summer, lifeguards are anticipating at least a few more rescues following what has already been a busy season.
On average they make 30 rescues a summer, and already this year, that number is up to 42.
Lifeguards say a number of factors are to blame, including the bad winter, because it created a lot of beach erosion.
With the increasing number of problems, lifeguards got a new tool just this month to help keep everyone safe.
“We got a new jet ski this year with rescue sled on back that will help perform rescues, allow us to get on the back side of surf rather than bring them back out,” Lifeguard Captain Keith Willett said. “Rather than a torpedo we’ll be able to get out there, bring them back in on the sled then go back out.”
Lifeguards say if you do get caught in a rip tide the most important thing to remember is don’t panic, and either swim parallel to the beach, or let it take you out, until help can get to you.