How to Survive Being Caught In A Rip Tide

Rip currents (also called rip tides) are a by-product of hurricanes and tropical storms.

The wind from these weather patterns force the surface of the water further into the shore than the water would go under normal circumstances. In the process, water often travels over sand bars. When the water tries to return to the sea, these sand bars can restrict the flow of the water.

Water always takes the path of least resistance, and will find its way through any opening in the sand bar. When this happens, the extraordinarily large amount water passing through the gap in the sand bar causes a riptide.

Knowing what to do when caught in a rip tide can save your life.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A cool head
• The ability to swim or stay afloat

1. If you are caught in a rip tide, and feel your self being pulled out to sea, try to relax and just stay afloat. The water may pull you a hundred yards or so out into the ocean. Don't fight it, and don't panic.

2. Once you feel the force begin to subside, swim either to your right or to your left, as long as it is parallel to the shore. Rip tides are usually 30 to 100 feet wide.

3. Once you are out of the rip tide, you can swim normally back to shore.

4. If you can't swim back, then tread water, try to wave a hand and call for help, but definitely try to stay calm.

Tips & Warnings

• Check for rip tide postings, or ask the lifeguard before going in the water.
• Lifeguards will often post rip tide areas with red flags to show where it is safe to swim.
• The rip tide area will often be a different color than the surrounding water.
• The surrounding water may appear calmer due the rip tide channel funneling the water out.
• If there is no life guard on duty, stay out of the water.
• Do not let children play unattended in the water.
• Don't swim near piers or jetties, which often cause rip tides to form.

[ronahshouse]

on 1/25/2009 Very helpful article. Could save some lives.

[LS01]

on 8/28/2008 Very good article. Thanks.

[smilesatme1]

on 8/24/2008 Yes true! Good tips! Thanks

[Melanieee]

on 8/7/2008 Thanks for the helpful tips! There have been so many horror stories in NY lately!

[Limowreck]

on 8/5/2008 This is excellent emergency information for a very scary situation. Thanks for this article. It's so helpful for planning a safe vacation! *****