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阅读理解精讲精炼13 60. In America, Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: brilliant beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids.Many believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the offseason, when the town is less crowded but the weather is still mild. Meanwhile, some safety tips should be followed, enjoying the happiness and excitement the beach offers. The number 1 safety tip concerns ocean safety: pay attention to Flag conditions posted on the lifeguard stands.Lifeguards post a red flag to warn when the ocean water is dangerous.Take them seriously! Tourists from landlocked regions are particularly easily attracted by the magic of the waves.However, a calm ocean can become risky without warning.Make sure you swim near a lifeguard.Swimming without lifeguard protection is almost five times as great as drowning at a beach with lifeguards. Never swim alone.Many drownings involve single swimmers.When you swim with someone else, if one of you has a problem, the other may be able to get help, including signaling for assistance from others. Don't fight the current.The facts show that some 80% of rescues by lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by currents.These currents are formed by surf and gravity, because once surf pushes water up the slope of a beach, gravity pulls it back.This can create concentrated rivers of water moving offshore.If you are caught in a rip current, don't fight it by trying to swim directly to shore.Instead, swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore.Most rip currents are narrow and a short swim parallel to shore will help bring you to safety. | 
