If you go to the beach and see a spot without waves, don’t go any closer. It’s a current that can occur RANDOMLY along the coast. This area will appear darker because the water is deeper than usual, the surface is calmer, and the waves are smaller
Once you enter this area, the water will pull you out to sea at such a fast speed that even an Olympic athlete will likely be unable to swim back. This is also the cause of 80% of drowning accidents at sea.
If you’re caught in a rip current, the first thing to do is stay calm and then swim horizontally to escape; don’t try to swim directly to the shore.
How to Spot a Rip Current:
Test your ability to identify a rip current at the beach with tips from Life Saving Victoria:
- Look for Darker Water: Rip currents often appear darker because they are deeper than the surrounding areas.
- Notice the Surface: The surface of the water in a rip current is usually calmer and smoother compared to the surrounding waves.
- Watch for Foam and Debris: Rip currents often have foam and debris moving away from the shore.
Check out Life Saving Victoria’s advice for more detailed guidance on spotting and handling rip currents.
Please share this with your family and friends to stay safe.
