Global Courant
Alfaques are one of the main causes of drowning in Guatemala. Every year, children and adults are victims of these currents that are characterized by not being visible and because they occur in places where the sea appears to be calm.
These water currents, scientifically known as “return currents” or “rip currents”, are narrow channels of water that are produced by the continuous collision of the waves with the shore that little by little excavates the sand.
“After the wave breaks, there is a movement of water that forms a channel through which the water returns to the sea, becoming strong outgoing currents and dragging everything in its path,” explains Eduardo Del Cid, vice president of the National Association for Aquatic Rescue of Guatemala (ANSAGUA).
Alfaques are found on most Pacific beaches, although in some places they are stronger than others. “All year round we must be careful, but even more so in winter because the currents are more aggressive. The alfaques are also usually formed by fixed structures, such as a tree that has been dragged by the sea and placed it on the shore, as well as by groups of people. The latter makes it more difficult to identify them”, adds the professional.
How to recognize an alphaque
Recognizing the alfaques is not difficult, it is only necessary to pay attention to the area, since it is often treacherous. One of the biggest risks of rip currents is that it occurs in places where the sea “looks calm”, so it is considered safe to enjoy the sea.
It is possible to identify the alfaques because the waves lose strength and become small, or do not form, only in this area of the sea. On the shore, where you should see small waves that broke behind, a kind of lagoon or “pools” is formed.
In addition, the stream of water gets a slightly different hue, dark or yellowish, and fills with foam, says Mynor Mejía, head of the IGSS Safety and Hygiene and Accident Prevention Section.
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How to avoid being dragged by an alfaque
To avoid being swept away by a rip current, it is recommended to observe the movement of the waves before entering the sea. Walk on the shore to identify alfaques and avoid being a victim of them, as well as consult with the native people of the place where you can bathe and not run any risk.
It is also recommended to review the tide table provided by the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology of Guatemala (INSIVUMEH); and pay attention to whether there are lifeguards on the beach.
What to do if you are dragged by an alfaque
The person would be bathing calmly, when the sea begins to push him in with great force and speed. This causes him to panic and start swimming towards the beach, however this will be impossible.
When someone is swept away by an alfaque, those out at sea should call for help as soon as possible. While whoever is inside must remain calm until help arrives. Swimming against the current only implies more effort, waste of energy, cramps and fatigue.
Ideally, if you know how to swim, take advantage of the current and try to move to the sides, in a diagonal trajectory to get out of the rip current.
“The recommendation to swim to the sides does not work on the beaches of Iztapa, Monterrico and Champerico, because you get out of one current, but you fall into another. Therefore, it is considered that these beaches are not suitable for bathing, since the waves are very strong”, says Del Cid.
