If you're heading to a lifeguarded beach, then the flags should usually indicate a safer place to enter the water. However, situations can change quickly and it's important that you know how to keep safe at the beach.
We asked RNLI water safety manager, Ross Macleod, for advice on how to identify a rip current – as well as what to do if you find yourself in one.
What is a rip current?
Rips are strong currents that run out into the sea. In the UK, the majority of RNLI lifeguard incidents involve rip currents. They can change shape and location and can be difficult to spot.
Rip currents can quickly drag people and debris from the the shoreline into deeper water. It's estimated that they usually flow at 1-2mph but they can reach 4-5mph – around the same speed as an Olympic swimmer.
How to spot a rip current
Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface.
Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice. They will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.
What to do if you get caught in a rip current
- Don’t try to swim against the rip current or you’ll become exhausted
- If you can stand, wade don’t swim
- If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore, or float on your back until help arrives
- Raise your hand and shout for help if you can
The best way to avoid rips is to choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which have been marked based on where is safer to swim in the current conditions. This also helps you to be spotted more easily, should something go wrong.
If you get into trouble at the beach and cannot alert a lifeguard, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
About the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Powered primarily by donations, their search and rescue service has been saving lives for 200 years.
More safety advice
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- Cold water shock can be fatal, says first aid expert – here's what it is and how to stay safe
- Is it safe to swim in reservoirs?
- How to stay safe in the sea
Main image: Watergate Bay in Cornwall. Credit: Getty
