If you’re swimming at the beach and find yourself being taken away from the beach and unable to get back, it is more than likely you are caught in a rip current.
You can survive rip currents by knowing your options:
- To reduce the chances of being caught in a rip current, always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- If you need help, stay calm, float and raise an arm to attract attention.
- To escape a rip, swim parallel to the beach.
- Always conserve your energy; the waves can assist you back to the beach.
Avoiding Rip Currents
The best advice is to avoid rip currents altogether. To reduce the likelihood of getting caught in a rip current, you need to:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags;
- Observe all safety signs;
- Obey all instructions from the surf lifesavers and lifeguards;
- Understand what a rip current is;
- Know how to spot rip currents and look for the common signs such as deeper, darker water and fewer breaking waves; and
- Do not swim in or near a rip current.
For further information, please visit http://www.ripcurrents.com.au/