Caught in a rip current while swimming: what to do?

A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water flowing away from the beach. It can pull swimmers offshore faster than an Olympic swimmer can swim against it. Knowing exactly what to do can turn a terrifying situation into a survivable one.

What is happening

Rip currents form when water piled up near the shore by waves finds a gap in a sandbar or near a structure and rushes back out to sea. They are often strongest near jetties, piers, and breaks in sandbars. The current pulls you away from shore, but it does not pull you under. The main danger is exhaustion and panic, which can lead to drowning.

Emergency warning

If you are in trouble or see someone else in trouble, call local emergency services immediately (for example, 911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 112 in Europe). Do not wait until you are exhausted.

What to do first: step by step

1. Stay calm and do not fight the current. Fighting it drains your energy and increases panic. Conserve strength.
2. Swim parallel to the shore. Rip currents are narrow. Swim sideways (parallel to the beach) until you feel the pull weaken. This is usually the fastest escape.
3. If you cannot escape, float or tread water. Let the current carry you out. It will often dissipate beyond the surf zone. Signal for help by raising one arm and shouting.
4. Once out of the current, swim at an angle back to shore. Do not swim straight back into the current. Aim for a point away from where you were caught.
5. If you are too tired to swim, float on your back and wave for help. Conserve energy until rescue arrives.

What NOT to do

• Do not swim directly against the current. You will tire quickly and may be pulled further out.
• Do not panic or thrash. Panic burns energy and makes it harder to stay afloat.
• Do not try to rescue someone else by swimming out unless you are a trained lifeguard with a flotation device. Many drownings happen when untrained rescuers get caught too.
• Do not ignore warning flags or lifeguard instructions. They are there for a reason.

If you see someone caught in a rip current

1. Call emergency services immediately. Give your location and describe the situation.
2. Throw them something that floats (a life ring, cooler, or anything buoyant) if you can do so safely from shore.
3. Shout instructions: tell them to swim parallel to the shore and not to fight the current.
4. Do not enter the water unless you are a trained rescuer with a flotation device. Reach or throw, don't go.

When to seek professional care

Anyone who has been caught in a rip current and swallowed water, coughed, or felt short of breath should be checked by a medical professional, even if they seem fine. Secondary drowning (delayed breathing problems) is rare but serious. If breathing difficulty, chest pain, or confusion develops, call emergency services.

How to prevent it

• Swim at beaches with lifeguards and obey flags and signs.
• Learn to identify rip currents: darker, calmer water between breaking waves, or a channel of churning, choppy water.
• Never swim alone.
• If unsure, ask a lifeguard about current conditions.

Remember: the key is to stay calm, swim parallel to shore, and call for help early. This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.