How to Break Free from a Rip Current: Guide & Video

With summer in full swing, I wanted to take a moment to touch on some summer safety tips. Adequately named “Summer Safety Series”.

Understanding Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow from the shore out to sea. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including oceans, seas, and large lakes. These currents are responsible for the majority of beach rescues and can be life-threatening if not handled correctly.

How Rip Currents Form

Rip currents form when waves break strongly in some locations and weakly in others, causing a circulation of water that needs to escape back out to sea. The water flows along the shore and then funnels through a narrow channel back out beyond the waves.

Recognizing Rip Currents

Color Difference: Rip currents can appear darker than the surrounding water due to deeper channels where the current is moving.
Foam and Debris: Look for foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily out to sea, which indicates the presence of a rip current.
Breaking Wave Pattern: There may be a noticeable gap in the line of breaking waves, where the water seems calmer. This can actually be the area where the current is strongest.

How to Break Free from a Rip Current

Stay Calm: Panicking can lead to exhaustion. It’s crucial to stay calm and keep your head above water.
Float or Tread Water: If you can’t swim out of the rip current, float or tread water. Most rip currents will eventually release you beyond the breakers.
Swim Parallel to the Shore: Don’t try to swim directly back to shore against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current’s grip, then swim back to the beach at an angle away from the current.
Wave for Help: If you can’t escape, draw attention to yourself by waving and shouting for help. Lifeguards or other beachgoers can assist you.

Additional Safety Tips

Swim Near Lifeguards: Swimming near lifeguards significantly increases your chances of survival if you get caught in a rip current.
Observe Warning Flags and Signs: Pay attention to beach warning flags and signs that indicate the presence of rip currents.
Never Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy. It’s safer and more enjoyable.
Know Your Limits: If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water where you can touch the bottom.

Educating Others

Teach Children: Ensure children understand the dangers of rip currents and know how to respond if caught in one.
Community Programs: Participate in or organize community programs that educate beachgoers about rip currents.