Rip currents can be extremely dangerous, but knowing how to react can save your life. Here are some tips to help you stay safe if you find yourself caught in a rip current:
- Stay Calm: Panic can exhaust you. Try to stay calm to conserve energy.
- Don’t Fight the Current: Swim parallel to the shore. Rip currents are usually narrow and swimming parallel allows you to break free from the current.
- Float and Signal for Help: If you can’t escape, float or tread water and wave your arms to signal for help. Floating will keep you afloat until help arrives or you can swim out of the current.
- Swim at Lifeguard-Protected Beaches: Lifeguards can provide immediate assistance and are trained to spot rip currents.
- Learn to Spot Rip Currents: Rip currents can often be identified by a difference in water color, a break in the wave pattern, or a line of debris moving seaward.
- Follow Beach Safety Guidelines: Pay attention to warning signs and flags on the beach indicating strong currents or dangerous swimming conditions.
