How to Escape a Riptide

A riptide is not as scary as it may seem, calmness is the key to survive. I have surfed for many years, so have met a few of them. Needless to say, I am writing this so I made it!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Calmness
• Patience
• Awareness

1. A riptide can generally be spotted. The first way to escape one is not to enter it! Signs of a riptide are low waves in one spot, between higher waves when you look out to sea. Other obvious signs are a trench of sand and debris being pulled off the beach in one spot when all else around it is staying put. This "trench" can be anything from a narrow band to an actual ditch. Never trust the slightest disturbance. The water should be coming in and leaving with a smoothness that extends up and down the beach. This applies as well further out, which is why you want to see even waves as far as you can see.
2. So, let's say you have done all this and still end up suddenly finding yourself being pulled out fast and far from shore. If you are on a surf board or other floatation device, it is worth more to you to retain that item and get pulled out a bit further in the long run.
3. First : RELAX. A riptide usually less than 100 feet wide, so it is not going to be hard to get out of this!
4. Second : Never try to swim back to shore, this is how people drown. Swim parallel to the shore and you will eventually stop feeling the pull of the riptide. At that point you can swim back to shore!

Tips & Warnings

• If you have something to float on, it can help you take your time while going parallel with the shoreline.
• Slow and steady will win this race, don't try to go too quickly you will tire out!