How to Escape an Undertow or RipTide

Rip Tides, or more accurately Rip Currents, are one of the most common dangers that people can encounter at a beach.

A Rip Current is a strong channel of water flowing away from the shoreline (perpendicular to it) at up to 5 miles an hour. Every year almost a 100 people die because of these currents, mainly because of a panicked reaction. Here is some basic information on how to escape a rip current.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. A rip current is a strong channel of water flowing away from the shoreline. Rip currents are a danger to swimmers, and occasionally to people wading in shallow water. The most common error people make when caught in a rip current is fighting against it and exhausting themselves.

2. If caught in a rip current, it is important to stay calm.

3. There are two easy ways to escape a rip current. A rip current is strong, but usually quite narrow. Rip currents are normally only a few feet to thirty feet wide. If caught in one, after calming yourself, begin swimming parallel to the shore. In a short time you will escape the rip current and be able to swim back to shore, or wait for a lifeguard.

4. Another method is to ride the rip current out. Stay calm and float on the current until it dies down. This method is capable of working, but rip currents have been known to stretch upwards of 2000 feet. This method works if you are a strong swimmer or the current is to strong to swim out of (as described in the above method) When out of the current, swim back to shore.

5. If you are not a strong swimmer and find yourself caught in a rip current then your best bet is to stay calm and ride the current out. Tread water/float and wait for the life guard. It is important to conserve energy and to avoid exhaustion.

[vallain]

on 7/29/2009 This is good to know. I have a relative who drowned when caught in a riptide.