How to Survive Rip Currents - ExploreSecure®

Posted by ExploreSecure on April 12th, 2021

Although easily said rather than done – when battling against a strong current, try and stay calm, when panic sets in it becomes much more difficult to make a logical decision about how to deal with the danger. Try and let people know you are in trouble, either by shouting or waving your arms, but obviously be careful not to expend too much energy as you may need it later, also don’t get water in your mouth! If you can, try and stand up, you would be surprised how shallow some sea beds are, the strongest current is normally at the top so you should be able to get a good foot hold, then.  Check This List try and walk at 90 degrees to the current to get you out. If you cannot stand up, relax and do not fight the current, go with it, the biggest killer when caught is that of exhaustion because people try and swim directly back to the shore. Rip currents flow at a faster pace than any human can normally swim, even an Olympic swimmer!. If you can start to swim at 90 degrees to the beach and this will take you into the part of the sea/water that is moving back to shore. Yes it does sound crazy but if you cannot swim strongly enough, turn yourself onto your back and allow the current to take you out to sea, Travel Security Training it will not be too far out, sometimes only a few hundred meters, you can then use your preserved energy to swim back to shore or await rescue.