A rip current is a powerful, channeled flow of water moving away from the shore. These currents form when water from incoming waves piles up near the shoreline and seeks the path of least resistance to flow back out to sea, often through a break in a sandbar. The common term “riptide” is actually a misnomer, as these currents are not caused by tides, but rather by wave action. The danger is being carried offshore quickly, which leads to panic and exhaustion when swimmers fight the current. Knowing how to identify these features and understanding the correct survival strategy is the most effective defense.
Identifying Rip Currents Before You Swim
Prevention involves learning to spot a rip current from the shore before entering the water. Rip currents often appear as a narrow path of water that looks different from the waves breaking on either side. Look for a noticeable break in the pattern of incoming waves, where the water appears relatively flat or calm in contrast to the surrounding surf. This calm appearance is deceptive, as it indicates water flowing back out without resistance.
Another visual cue is a channel of churning or choppy water that is distinctly different from the surrounding area. This turbulence often appears ruffled or slightly darker because the strong flow picks up and carries sand and sediment from the ocean floor. You might also observe a steady stream of foam, seaweed, or debris moving straight offshore, signaling the seaward movement of the current.
The Three-Step Strategy for Escape
If you find yourself caught in the strong, seaward pull of a rip current, the primary objective is to maintain composure and conserve energy. Rip currents can flow at speeds of up to eight feet per second, making it impossible to swim directly back toward the beach. The first step is to avoid the natural instinct to panic or swim against the flow, as this quickly leads to exhaustion and muscle fatigue.
Instead, immediately transition into the second step: relax, float, or calmly tread water to save your strength. A rip current is typically less than 100 feet wide and will not pull you under the water’s surface. Allow the current to carry you until its force begins to dissipate, which usually happens just beyond the line of breaking waves. Once you feel the pull weaken, the goal is to exit the current’s narrow channel by swimming parallel to the shoreline.
Swimming parallel means moving sideways, perpendicular to the current’s flow, in either direction along the beach until you are completely free of the offshore pull. Once you have escaped the current’s influence, the third step is to swim back to shore, but do so at an angle or diagonally toward the beach. This angled approach ensures you do not inadvertently swim back into the current.
What to Do If You Need Help
If you are unable to swim parallel to escape the current or feel too fatigued to make it back to shore, your focus must shift entirely to signaling for assistance. Continue to float or tread water to conserve any remaining energy, recognizing that the current will eventually release you. Face the shore and make yourself as visible as possible to attract the attention of lifeguards or other beachgoers.
The established method for signaling distress is to loudly yell for help while waving one or both arms in the air. It is important to continue floating and signaling until help arrives, as attempting to swim while exhausted dramatically increases the risk of drowning. If you see someone in trouble, remember to first alert a lifeguard or call for emergency services before attempting a rescue yourself.