How to Survive a Rip Current — Swim Parallel to Shore

A rip current pulls you outward from shore, not underwater — understanding this is half the battle. Don't fight it head-on by swimming straight back, because it will exhaust you faster than you think. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you feel the pull weaken — most rip currents are only 20-30 meters wide. Then swim back to shore at an angle. If you're too tired to swim, float on your back and wave for help — the current won't pull you under, and lifeguards are trained to spot this.