Caught In A Rip Current — What Should You Do First?

Don’t Fight the Current

When caught in a rip current, your instinct might be to fight against the strong water flow. However, this is a crucial mistake that can exhaust you quickly. Rip currents are narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from the shore and out to sea, but they are usually only a few hundred feet wide. Don’t waste your energy trying to swim against it; instead, focus on escaping the current’s pull. Swim parallel to the shore, not directly back to it.

Swim Parallel to Shore

Swim parallel to the shore at a 45-degree angle, away from the current. This can take around 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the strength of the current and your swimming ability. The goal is to swim out of the current’s path, not to swim all the way back to the shore. Keep your arms and legs moving efficiently, and aim to swim around 10-15 feet per stroke. If you’re a weak swimmer, focus on conserving your energy and take short breaks to float on your back and rest.

Floating and Signaling for Help

When you feel you’re out of the current’s pull, float on your back and signal for help. This is a crucial step, as you may be tired and struggling to stay afloat. Look for any floating objects, such as surfboards or beach umbrellas, to use as a makeshift flotation device. If you have a whistle, use it to signal for help. If not, use your arms and legs to signal to people on the shore. Stay calm and wait for rescue, as help will arrive soon.