Spotting and Escaping Riptides

Spotting and Escaping Riptides

Riptides, or rip currents, are powerful channels of water that flow away from the shore. They can quickly pull swimmers out to deeper water, even in seemingly calm conditions. Here’s how to identify and handle them:

How to Spot a Riptide:

• Discolored or murky water in a narrow strip heading offshore.

• A break in the wave pattern where waves don’t seem to crest.

• Foam or debris being carried steadily out to sea.

What to Do if You’re Caught in a Riptide:

1. Stay Calm: Panicking will exhaust your energy.

2. Don’t Fight It: Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, then swim back once you’re out of the rip.

3. Float or Signal for Help: If you can’t swim out, float to conserve energy and wave for assistance.