How to Survive a Rip Tide

A rip current is a long, narrow band of water that can pull swimmer away from shore and out to sea in just a few seconds. Rip currents are dangerous, and it's best to learn how to identify and stay out of them. However, if you get caught in a rip current, the right response gives you a big advantage./sites/roibhoa/file/IMG_1357.JPG

TIPS

• Despite the common name "undertow," rip currents drag people out to sea, but they don't drag them underwater. In fact, there is no type of current that drags you underwater from the beach. A series of waves hitting you near shore can make you feel like you are submerging, but you do not need to struggle upward. Concentrate on staying afloat or regaining your footing.
• Never swim alone.
• Don't be ashamed to ask for help. If you are uncertain how to react while in a rip current and a beach lifeguard is nearby, wave at them. Beach lifeguards have experience and training with rip currents and are there to help you out.
• Rip currents deserve respect, but they aren't a death sentence. Lifeguards sometimes intentionally swim in them to quickly reach someone beyond the surf, and surfers find them useful to easily get out to catch waves. Lifeguards and surfers, of course, are very proficient swimmers and have experience swimming in surf conditions, so most of us shouldn't intentionally enter a rip current. That said, if you do get caught in one, remain calm.
• Technically, the term "rip tide" refers to a similar rapid, narrow current out to sea that happens at low tide. This is much more powerful than a rip current, but only happens in inlets or other narrow channels of water. These areas are off-limits to swimmers due to this danger.
• Before heading out into the water, check for the latest beach condition updates. A quick internet search on a mobile device for the weather in the area of the beach will provide any warnings about observed rip currents, high likelihood of rip current formation, high wave warnings, strong wind/wave warnings, and structural current hazards.

WARNINGS

• Never swim against the current. It will be stronger than you, and it will exhaust you, which could make you drown.
• Some rip currents travel parallel to the beach instead of the typical direction straight out to sea. Watch the beach to discover which way you are traveling.
• Stay out of rip currents if possible. Heed all warning signs and flags. When traveling, always make sure there are others swimming at the same beach as you. If not, it may be known to the locals as a dangerous beach.
• Even if the current circulates back to shore, it can "spit you out" on the ocean side, or keep you in the current for multiple circuits.^[10] If you are trying the "float and wait" approach, be ready to attempt an exit (perpendicular to the current) once you are near shore. Try to regain your footing once you are in shallow water.