Float to Survive - How to Get out of Rip Currents

Rip currents are one of the most common, and most dangerous, hazards on surf beaches.

They can appear quickly, pull even strong swimmers seaward, and are responsible for many beach rescues every year.

Knowing how to recognise a rip and what to do if you’re caught in one is essential for surfers, swimmers, and anyone who enjoys the ocean.

What Is a Rip Current?

A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving stream of water flowing away from the shore.

It forms when waves push water onto the beach and that water funnels back out through a deeper channel or gap in a sandbar.

Rips can move quickly and change shape with tides, swell and sand movement - which is why they’re so easy to underestimate.

How to Spot a Rip Current

Rips aren’t always obvious. They can look calm or harmless, but there are clear signs you can use to recognise them before you get in the water.

Water that looks “different” – A rip often appears darker or deeper than the surrounding surf. The water may look murky or cloudy because sand is being pulled out to sea.

Fewer breaking waves – Waves usually break evenly across a beach, but a rip can create a patch where waves don’t break at all. This calmer-looking channel between areas of breaking surf is a classic indicator.

Foam or debris moving seaward – If you see foam, seaweed, or discoloured water being drawn away from shore, it’s likely being carried by a rip.

A channel or gap in the surf zone – Rips commonly form in deeper channels between sandbanks or next to structures. These smooth, river-like gaps can stand out compared to choppy, breaking waves around them.

Rips can shift and change throughout the day. What looks safe one moment may become hazardous the next. Always take a few extra seconds to assess the conditions before you paddle out or enter the surf.

What to Do If You Get Caught in a Rip Current

If a rip catches you, here’s what to remember:

Stay calm - Panic burns energy and makes decision-making harder.

Signal for assistance - Raise one arm and call out when you can. Lifeguards, surfers, and beachgoers might be able to spot you and rescue you.

Float with the current - Let the rip carry you, it may return you to a shallow sandbank.

Swim parallel or toward breaking waves - if you’re able to.

Never swim directly against the rip. Instead, move sideways out of the channel or head for the whitewater, which can help push you back to shore.

If you’re not making progress, go back to floating and signalling.

In short: don’t fight the rip. Stay calm, conserve energy, float, signal, and use controlled movements when it’s safe to do so.

How to float

Lean your head back and float, take slow deep breaths, spread arms and legs for balance, use gentle circular motions to stay balanced and stay afloat, signal for help.

How to stay safe - before you even enter the water

Prevention is always better than rescue. Here are some of the best ways to avoid getting caught in a rip in the first place:

Swim only at patrolled beaches, between safety flags, where lifeguards are present. These areas are marked because conditions are more predictable and monitored.

Use the “STOP · LOOK · PLAN” method before entering the surf:

STOP - don’t rush in. Observe the water for signs of rips.

LOOK - check for wave patterns, changes in water colour, debris, or calm channels.

PLAN - decide where you will enter and exit, and make sure you have a contingency in mind.

Respect your limits - even good swimmers can be overwhelmed by a strong rip. If conditions look risky, wait or choose another beach.

Rips are the number-one ocean hazard on surf beaches worldwide. But with knowledge, awareness and the right mindset - you can stay safe. Before you paddle out, take a moment. Stop. Look. Plan. If things change, adapt. And if you find yourself caught - don’t fight. Float. Signal. Stay calm.

Watch Surf Life Saving Australia’s video for more information and a visual explanation.

https://www.facebook.com/slsaustralia/videos/647092807392994/