Safety
How to survive a rip current
What rips look like, why swimmers drown in them, and the simple escape rule.
4 min read
Rip currents are the leading cause of beach rescues worldwide. They are not undertows, they do not pull you under, and they are usually avoidable if you know the signs.
The escape rule
- Don't swim against the current directly back to shore — you will tire out.
- Float to calm your breathing and signal for help.
- Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then angle back in.
- Always choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags.