How to Spot a Rip Current?
The first thing to note is that rip currents can be difficult to identify. Surf Lifesavers and Lifeguards receive training to be able to identify them and use them which is why the best place to swim is between the red and yellow flags.
The following safety signs are designed to alert you to the presence of a rip current:
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| One or more of following natural features may alert you to the presence of a rip current: (see images below) |
- darker water, indicating deeper water
- murky brown water caused by sand stirred up by faster moving water
- a choppy or rippled look, when the water around is generally calm
- in large surf, a smoother surface with much smaller waves
- an area with few breaking waves on a beach with surf at that time
- foam or debris floating out to sea
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| © Rob Brander |
© Rob Brander |
© Rob Brander |
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| © Rob Brander |
© SLSA |
© Rob Brander |
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| © SLSA |
| The above images all contain rip currents and display one or more of the above natural signs |
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