Three Swimmers Swept Out by Rip Current at French Beach
Listen to the story
Three people were swimming at a beach in Mimizan, France. A rip current pulled them out to sea. This is called a baïne in French. A helicopter came to help them.
Mimizan is in the Landes area. It is next to the Atlantic Ocean. Many people go there in summer.
Rip currents are dangerous. They can pull swimmers away from the beach very fast. Swimmers cannot always feel them before it is too late.
Officials are now warning people about these currents. They say five beaches in Charente-Maritime are not safe this weekend. Charente-Maritime is another area near the sea.
Officials also warned people on the Landes coast. They asked swimmers to be careful on August 14, 15, and 16. These are busy summer days at the beach.
Local authorities want people to swim in safe areas only. They say swimmers should watch for warning flags on the beach.
Vocabulary4 words
- rip current
- strong water that pulls swimmers away from the beach
- baïne
- French word for a type of rip current
- helicopter
- a flying machine used to help people quickly
- authorities
- people who are in charge, like police or government
Quiz
Answer key
1. A rip current 2. A helicopter 3. Five
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Three people were swimming at a beach in Mimizan, France. A _____ pulled them out to sea. This is called a _____ in French. A _____ came to help them.
Mimizan is in the _____ area. It is next to the Atlantic Ocean. Many people go there in summer.
Rip currents are _____. They can pull swimmers away from the beach very fast. Swimmers cannot always feel them before it is too late.
Officials are now warning people about these currents. They say _____ beaches in Charente-Maritime are not safe this weekend.
Officials also warned people on the Landes coast. They asked swimmers to be careful on _____, 15, and 16.
Local _____ want people to swim in safe areas only.