What to do in a Rip Current?
How do I know I am in a rip current?
As rip currents are often very difficult to identify, many people don’t realise they are caught in one until they find themselves moving away or too far out from the beach. You should always try to take note of a landmark, such as a tree or a building, before you go into the water, so you can tell if you are being swept away from the beach.
Once you’re in the water and you are trying to return to the beach, judge your progress by comparing your distance from the beach with a landmark. If you’ve been swimming for a while, but not getting any closer to the beach, chances are you are in a rip current!
Rip currents are caused by waves which push towards the beach, and that water needing to move back away from the shoreline. This animation shows the process of waves and rip currents.
TOP
What if I am caught in a rip current?
| Everyone: |
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Stay calm. Don't panic.
- Raise an arm to attract attention if you feel you need help.
- Do not try to swim against the current.
|
| Strong Swimmers: |
- If you are confident, swim parallel to the beach – often this is towards the breaking waves, which can assist you back to shore.
|
| Weak Swimmers: |
- If you are not a confident swimmer - don't go into the water. Learn how to swim by visiting these websites and finding a local swim school:
http://www.swimkids.com.au/find-a-swimming-school/
http://www.austswim.com.au/Swimcentres/FindaSwimCentre.aspx
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- If you get caught in a rip stay calm, float and attract attention for assistance
- You can slowly swim parallel to the beach, towards the breaking waves then use the waves to return to the shoreline.
- Again, if at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore, raising your arm and staying calm - float to conserve your energy and call for assistance.
|
TOP
| To reduce the likelihood of getting in a rip current, you need to: |
- Swim between the red and yellow flags
- Observe any safety signs
- Check with a lifesaver or lifeguard for advice on local conditions before entering the water,
- Understand what a rip current is
- Know how to spot a rip current
- Do not swim in or near a rip current
|
- Learn how to swim,
- If you are not a strong, confident ocean swimmer only swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Never swim alone,
- If you have any doubt, don’t go out.
|
TOP