What is a bath?
A baïne, which means “small basin” in Landes dialect, is a kind of basin formed by sea currents along certain beaches. These basins can be quite deep and fill with seawater during high tides or when there is a strong swell.
Baïnes are generally present on certain flat-bottomed beaches, mainly on the Landes coasts in France, but they are found all over the world. They can form in specific areas of the beach and be difficult to spot with the naked eye.
How does a bath work?
The way rip currents work is quite simple: when the tide rises, or there is a strong swell, sea water rushes into these pools. As they empty, they generate powerful currents that can carry bathers out to sea, which can be very dangerous, especially for people who do not know how to react.
What to do if you are caught in a bath?
When you are caught in a bad situation, it is important not to panic. You should not try to swim against the current: accidents often occur when people become exhausted trying to go against the current. It’s best to keep calm and follow a few steps. The first is to let yourself be carried by the current, and then swim parallel to the beach to get out of the turbulence zone.
If you feel tired or unable to get out of the current, raise your arm and call for help to attract the attention of lifeguards or others on the beach or sea. If you have a floating object on your within reach (surfboard, buoy, etc.), grab it to help you stay on the surface and rest.
Before going swimming, you need to find out
In areas where there are rip currents, it is important to ask the lifeguards about their presence on the beach, the sea conditions and the currents. Follow their advice for safe swimming. It is essential to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions when swimming in the sea. In case of doubt or emergency, do not hesitate to ask a lifeguard or any competent person for help. Safety is essential to fully enjoy the pleasures of the beach during your holiday
