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 swimmer. 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.

(1) Tourists believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the off­season because ________.
A. the towns nearby are empty and the tourists can enjoy quietness B. the weather is hot and the tourists can swim in the sea C. the beach can offer the tourists happiness and excitement D. the weather is still mild and there are fewer tourists in the towns nearby
(2) Which statement below is TURE according to the passage?
A. Land-locked tourists are more attracted by the beauty of the waves. B. The red flag means the ocean is clam and safe. C. Swimming near a lifeguard won’t bring you safety. D. Fighting the current is exciting and fun.
(3) From the passage, we can infer that ________.
A. one in five persons swimming in the sea is drowned B. if one with a lifeguard were drowning, five persons without lifeguards would be C. some 80% people drowning by the currents are rescued by lifeguards D. some 20% people drowning by the currents are rescued by lifeguards