SURVIVING THE RIP: How to Escape a Riptide and Make it Back to Shore Safely

If you love the ocean, you've probably heard of riptides — powerful, narrow currents of water that rush away from the shore. They’re responsible for most beach rescues and can be deadly if you don’t know how to react. But don’t worry: getting caught in a riptide doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Here’s what you need to know to survive — and thrive — if you ever find yourself caught in one.

What Is a Riptide (or Rip Current)?

Riptides are fast-moving channels of water that flow from the shoreline out to deeper water. They can move at speeds up to 8 feet per second — faster than an Olympic swimmer! They form when waves break strongly in some areas and weakly in others, creating a funnel-like flow back out to sea.

How to Spot One:

• Murky, darker water cutting through lighter surf

• Fewer or no breaking waves

• Debris or sea foam moving steadily seaward

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t Panic. It’s scary, but panic wastes energy and clouds your thinking.

• Don’t Fight the Current. Trying to swim directly back to shore against the rip is exhausting — and you’ll likely lose.

How to Escape a Riptide:

1. Float and Breathe.
   Keep yourself calm by floating on your back if needed. Conserve your energy and control your breathing.

2. Swim Parallel to Shore.
   Rip currents are narrow — often no more than 50 yards wide. Swim sideways, following the shoreline (left or right), to escape the pull.

3. Swim at an Angle if Needed.
   If you're not sure which way to swim, angle yourself slightly away from the current’s direction until you feel the pull weaken.

4. Ride It Out if Necessary.
   If you can’t escape immediately, let the rip carry you out until it weakens (they don’t go far, usually just past the breakers). Then, swim back to shore at an angle.

5. Signal for Help.
   Wave one arm and yell if you need assistance — lifeguards are trained to spot this signal.

After You Escape:

• Always take a moment to float, catch your breath, and assess your distance before heading back to shore.

• Alert others about where the rip is, so they can avoid it.

🌊 Remember: Knowledge and calmness are your best life vests.