How to Spot a Rip Current 

its 6am and i haven't slept, but at least now I can spot rips

Last time I went swimming in the ocean, I stayed clear of all of the arrows pointing outward towards the sea.

This should be shown on every International flight arriving in Australia.

I had no concept of a Rip until I was caught in one aged 16 on vacation. I was a strong swimmer and very confident swimming anywhere. I was swimming about 50 yards from the shore, and stopped to take in the view. I saw a ship very far out and just floated looking at it for a minute or so. I then turned around to face the beach and I was about 100 yards out. I tried swimming back but just couldn't, and had no idea why. I started to panic and looked around frantically. I saw someone swimming comfortably about 50 yards to my left, and began swimming towards them. By the time I reached them I was edging on exhaustion, but still had about 60 yards to get back to shore. I didn't have the energy to swim normally, and had to lay on my back kicking to propel me towards the shore. Thankfully there was no Rip here and I was able to make it back. The thing that scared me the most was that no one had a clue. I explained to my family what had just happened, and they weren't even aware. It all happened so fast an no one was paying attention. If I hadn't seen that person swimming to my left, I would've died and probably never found. Never overestimate your strength, and never underestimate the sea. There is no forgiveness.

Me: oh I see the rip *rip arrow pops up on the complete opposite side of where I was looking*

I call it the express lane when I'm surfing.

Greetings from Canada. I almost drowned when I got caught in a rip current in Nicaragua. An Aussie surfer saved my life. Ever since then I've become more respectful of the sea. I don't remember if I said "thank you" to my rescuer because I practically blacked out from exhaustion once I touched the beach. So thank you very much Aussie surfer . I"m here because of you.

*How to survive a rip current:* Step 1: Swim in a pool instead

I got caught in a rip in Hawaii when I was 16. I was already doing a dumb thing by swimming alone on a deserted beach. I also didn't know how to spot a rip current. I tried swimming back to shore and found I couldn't --- I was going further out to sea. Then I realized it must be a rip, and remembered a magazine article I read when I was only 10 years old. It said to swim parallel to the beach until you were no longer being dragged out to sea, and THEN swim back to shore. Even then, my energy was spent and I still thought I was gonna drown. Then a big wave picked me up, rocketed me towards the shore, and slammed me into the sand on the beach. I went back to the hotel, took a shower and tried to get all the sand out of my ears and nose. I never did tell my parents.

Last summer while swimming at a beach near LA I noticed a life guard waving us into shore. I was about 50-75 yards out, my daughter and Niece were between me and the beach, my brother and his son were behind me further out. As I started swimming towards my daughter and shore I realized he was calling us in due to a rip current. I continued towards shore but at an angle to the south. By the time I caught up with my daughter the life guard was signaling for us to swim straight south parallel to shore as the current had strengthened considerably. I was amazed at how quickly an extremely strong current developed. I am a strong swimmer and Scuba Diver. We would not have been able to make any progress towards shore had we not started swimming south. My first experience with a rip current and one I will never forget. Easy to understand how it could have turned into an emergency situation requiring assistance.

I had been swimming since a child, taught and continued to be reminded of water safety throughout my life, including what to do if caught in a rip current. The first time I got caught in one it took me a second or two to realize fully what was happening. Although I knew about them, had been taught to swim sideways - I panicked. The instinct to get to shore was overpowering and that’s where I tried to head, thinking I could force my way through it. The tremendous effort to do so against that force of water exhausted me literally in less than a minute. Thankfully I was with a friend who called out to me to swim sideways as she began doing so herself. I was amazed at how easily I glided through the water. I was 30 years old at the time and had been a frequent swimmer since the age of 5. The second and last time it happened I quickly realized it and immediately and calmly began a sideways trek. I’m thankful I got a second chance. So many don’t.

Also remember, if you get caught in the rip tide make sure to swim perpendicular to the rip or parallel to the shore, don’t swim against the rip.

would be nice if you did the video from the beach. Most people don't scan the beach with drones

I got caught in a rip twice swimming at Byron Bay near the wreck when i was about 12/13 years old. It really sucked because at that age i didn't know what to look for, and there was a rather deep channel running out to sea where the rip was. It was especially strong at high tide. First time i got out pretty quick as i was closer to shore and was able to get good footing, but the second time, hell, i put my feet down and could only barely touch, and i could feel myself getting pulled out. My brother was off snorkeling around the wreck so he was no good to me, suddenly i remembered my swimming classes at school and my teacher telling us what to do if we ever got caught in a rip, so i started swimming across the rip. I remember thinking "If MIss Ranger could see me now!!!" I made it out of the channel then it was about waist deep and i walked out. Never went swimming there again.

My parents always told us to watch out for the rip current at Lake Michigan but never explained what it was, how to spot it, and more importantly, how to get out of it. They are everywhere, not just in Australia. Thank you for more information.

The most dangerous things about the rip are when you realize the situation, either it was too late or you panic. I once caught in a rip on a beach. I was lucky since I noticed I was pulled out of the shore not too far away but far enough to notice. I lost all of energy in less than a minute because of panicking even though I swam sideway. It was a close call for me then I got anxiety about deep water every since.

Thank you for posting this. I got caught in one earlier today, where a river joined the sea. I was very lucky. The pull of the deeper waters was extremely frightening. I went from almost walking in the water to being sucked out to sea. I thank my guardian angel and pure instinct to backcrawl at a right angle.

This is why I never get out of the house, it's a crazy world we live in.

My rule of thumb is whenever I get in the water I always make sure there are people further in than I am...😁

Good video. Something like this should be played at all the caravan parks and local shops in holiday towns. Used to watch entire families walk straight into rips with no idea trying to get away from the crowds down great ocean road all the time.

My son got taken out by a rip current, We were in Devon, He got taken out really quickly and I shouted to him just relax and go with it. He got taken out so far he ended up in France. He never came back to England, He now rides around on a bike with onions around his neck and a baguette in his back pocket and drinks copious amounts of red wine. He does send a postcard every now and then. We miss you Peter, Sorry, Pierre xxx

My Parents asked me if i knew what a rip is so i said rest in peace 😂 i feel so dumb now

I was taught how to identify a rip tide around the age of 5 years old , by my father an ex Royal Navy Officer whom fought at sea in the North Atlantic during the war . I think this is a very important video because not many people can know this unless demonstrated , And do NOT forget , that not all rip tides can be so easily identified - know where you swim , find out the nature of the sea movement and tides in your choice of place to swim. Salutes to this channel.

Mom can i go swimming?! Yes sweetie just swim in that area with no waves!

The feeder current is a longshore. I think it will be helpful for the viewers to also get an actual land view as well as aerial when explaining since rips can be tough to spot while standing on the beach.. It is one of the reasons why lifeguard bench seats are elevated.

I came here after learning the passing of Shad Gaspard. It’s important to learn from this tragedy and educate others about the importance of knowing what a rip current is.

This is a great video! Hopefully, it will help save lives, even if just one.

Prayers are with you Shad🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

I swim in Lake Michigan in the summer months and am a pretty good swimmer. One day a year or two ago, I went for a swim in a very strong current. I could feel myself getting pulled in a rip current, I was thrown about, my goggles went missing, and a few big waves pushed me closer to shore. Never underestimate the power of the water.

Canadian here. During my training for both my Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certificate and Lifeguard certificate, there was a surprising amount of knowledge that was gained from them regarding rip currents and such. It's nice that they focused on it as much as they did, especially considering I live in a landlocked Province (Alberta). Whenever I go about visiting (or hopefully moving) to Australia, I'll make sure to keep it in mind. After all, the ocean is a cruel mistress, and its unfortunate to see so many people underestimate it.

I don't know how I survived my youth. Had no clue about any of this. Just swam and swam.

No addition to what to do if you are caught in one? 30 more seconds of information could save many more lives!

I got caught in a rip, and here’s how I handled it. At the moment I realized I was stuck, I just turned my body parallel or slightly diagonal with the shore. Then, I’d swim into/away from the shore into an oncoming breaking wave ( Still sideways). Each wave would push me gradually closer. After each one, I tested my strength without using great bursts of energy. The first two tries, I knew I couldn’t overpower it. I waited for another push, and eventually knew I could beat it out. Also, to avoid getting pulled out...try planting and burying your feet from the current and lean in towards shore. It will at least slow you down from getting dragged to sea. Note, all these things depend on the beach. Some rips are obviously much stronger.

the ocean sure is a scary place yet so darn beautiful

I also appreciate the fact that this video got straight into the topic

As someone who surfs pretty frequently I can say I have been caught in multiple rips and sometimes even used them to get out easier. It’s not very dangerous on a surfboard because you can’t drown or anything but it’s still pretty surreal when one second you’re at the break and surrounded by dudes then you zone out for a few moments look back and you’re 50 yards away from everyone else except the couple other dudes who got caught in it too. If I weren’t on a surfboard I would be terrified

I don't plan on swimming in the ocean any time ever. But, now I know. This is actually so cool to me how nature just does this.

If you find yourself in a rip current, don't panic. Just swim parallel to the beach until you're out of it.

Best explanation a lifeguard once gave me, was look for the last place the wave breaks.

Remaining calm & swimming parallel to the shore has gotten me out of all rips. Tread water & float to catch your breath while also watching for oncoming waves. Seeing where the waves are breaking and riding them in is the easiest way back in. Swimming against the current has improved my endurance but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re already a strong swimmer to begin with.

I was caught in one once in my 50+ years. I was about 15 years old. I just let it carry me. I didn't swim parallel(as some suggest). Or fight it at all. Lasted about 10 seconds(keep in mind when stressed as I was, might have not been this long). When I surfaced, I was about 150 feet further out. I then swam back to shore. Not sure if what I did is recommended, but it worked for me. My cousin and I were standing on a reef just below the water's surface. We were trying to cross over to the next one which was about 5-6ft away. Well, I didn't make it and fell in between the two reefs. After the fact, my cousin who saw this (still standing on the first reef) said I looked like I was shot out of a cannon. So in this case I knew exactly where not to swim to get back. FYI: My cousin decided to not attempt it.

One of my greatest fears deep ocean scares me or going out

Rip Shad Gaspard

Praying for u Shad🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

I've been caught in quite a few rips. I've always just let it take me. They do slow down and eventually stop. It's not like they take you miles out to sea. You can swim back in. The trick is to relax and to know you'll be ok

Great video. Goes over the warning signs but I think the best part of this video (which is often omitted) is that rips vary a lot in shape/appearance/strength etc. Spend the time to assess conditions but even experienced beach goers can find themselves in a rip

Thank you for the video. Been near the breach for the last 50 years- have always heard about rip currents, but never seen one.

Cheers. I grew up by the beach and thought I knew most of how to spot a rip but dudnt know about the feeder rips. Will definitely pay more attention to the signs

Shad gaspard just passed away in a rip current

Don't panic. Let the current take you out. It's hard to sink in salty water, so relax on your back and save your strength. When you realize you're no longer pulled out, swim parallel to the shore and back on.

Got stuck in a rip and hopefully my big brother saved me but if you EVER get stuck in a rip don't even try to get back to shore its almost impossible you will get exhausted and drown and die i survived of sheer luck thank you brother

We are now going to show this to all passengers arriving in austraila thank you for flying

Please Lord, I hope as I'm typing this Shad is Ok.😥😥

I live at the beach so this is very informative, thank you !

This is truly the best video on Rips I have seen. Thank you!

I was swimming and didn’t realize what hit me since the water kept pulling me out deeper into the ocean. It was not a wave I was in. I struggled to get back. I looked around and people were in the water like normal and no one was struggling. I kept trying to pull and swim towards them. But, they were ahead of me towards my right, so I swam that direction. I finally made it, and I was exhausted. I ended up way on the other side of the ocean away from my family. When I walked other to them, I told them what had happened. That’s why I’m here wanting to know and see what a rip tide looks like. Thank you.

Thanks for the advice this is a life saver for a lot!

One of my close friends died in a rip current, it was really sad but it has been 3 yrs already. He was a twin tho, can't imagine what his twin must have gone thru.

Best video I’ve seen explaining these death traps. Well done!

The perfect location to exemplify rip currents was chosen for this video, thank you!!!

I am watching this video because today I have been caught by an evolving rip current. It is damn strong, it pulled me and my friend away from the shore. Luckily, we were still touching sands with feet and were swimming with the waves. Waves pushed us to the shore eventually. It was freaky as hell, and mostly, tiring. We stayed calm throughout the experience. Hope everyone be cautious while swimming.

Poor Shad

Great video!! Everyone should watch something like this, even people who live by the beach. Not everyone gives the ocean the respect it deserves and not knowing how to read the currents and waves can cause serious issues, especially for tourists who def don’t know. Good job 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Beautifully illustrated and explained. Thanks!

Good video. Lifeguards have a rough time with swimmers getting caught in rips each year.

I got caught in a rip at Daytona Beach. I didn’t notice until I washed up on the beach in Africa.

This is so beautiful for some reason, its like you see the wave doing both forward and backward movement at once

A big thank you from Norway! This is a need to know. The same as to see the signs of a Tsunami.

Very informative video. Thank you for making this!

I once got caught in a rip current and it was the most terrifying experience of my life. So much so I don’t go swimming at the beach at all. This happened when I was 15/16 and I’m now 32 😅. I was swimming a few meters away from shore with my best friend, and the current just started taking us further away, we are great swimmers (we have been swimming since 10 years old). We tried so hard swimming towards the shore but our efforts were futile. Luckily the lifeguards spotted us and were able to save us in time, though the experience scarred me for life and now I won’t go into ocean at all. It only takes 1 time for it to go all wrong. Be careful out there, the ocean is the ultimate f* around and you’ll find out!

Best illustration I have ever seen about rips.

i dont know how to swim. i was in neck deep water on a beach in south india with my college buddies. most of em knew how to swim, so we held our hands, created a chain and braced for wave impact. once the wave broke, the water started returning. i was being dragged into the sea for a meter or two and felt powerless. i couldnt do anything to stop it. it happened briefly for a couple seconds. i cant swim, so relied on walking on the sea bed towards the shore. but i couldnt. it was scary af.

Prayers to Shad Gaspard

Incredibly informative and well put together video. Wish they had more stuff like this for avalanches

awesome video. this made it a lot easier to understand how waves work.

rip

Always Gotta respect the water, cool video!

ive surfed since i was young and always take trips to the beach, this is the first time I've heard any of this. super helpful, thanks

So happy you broke this down, the other videos lacked a lot of information.

Now make this commercial in Chinese because for some reason they don't understand flags and love to try and drown themselves in Australia.

rip shad you died a hero

Really helpful. Never knew and this made it visually real. TY

RIP SHAD GASPARD

Extremely off topic. This video was put together VERY well. What program do you use for the graphic additions

This was great info; thanks for posting this video showing actual rip current examples. 👍🏼

While I don't live anywhere near the deep warm seas, I've always wondered about riptides. The very idea is terrifying. Thank you for your public service.

I’m here directly after the incident with Shad Gaspard. Rip

Rest in peace, currents.

Beautifully explained (I'm reading this in my mind in an Aussie accent). Thankyou 🙏

I got caught in a rip current when I was 10 I had been in them before but this one was powerful and pulling me out to sea there were big waves and I noticed if I tried swimming with the wave it would push me back to shore but as soon as wave passed it started pulling me out again so I just kept catching waves and eventually made it back to shore. if not for that i'd probably be dead.

Here after Cryme Tyme Shad Rest up

My aunt told me that when she was a little kid she got caught in one of these. Said she remembers being being pulled hard and dragging along the bottom occasionally before losing consciousness. When she woke up she was so far out, she could just barely see people on the shore

Amazing! When I was in Bermuda. Horseshoe Bay had some Amazing RIP Currents going on. This Explains alot. They can be very Dangerous. Thanks for the Video. Great info. Could save someone's Life..🤙🏿🤙🏿

Being a poor swimmer probably saved my life when I got caught in a RIP in Australia. I had a bodyboard and whilst in the water I suddenly felt the ocean pulling me like a giant magnet, further and further out. Being a terrible swimmer I was shitting myself, I couldn't pull myself onto the board, so was just using it to hold onto. Being a really bad swimmer, I knew it was pointless me trying to swim out of it, so I didn't try. I remember saying "Please God, get me out of this", So Instead of swimming against it, I swam with it, but at an angle (like 20-30 degrees) hoping at some point I would be out of the RIP lane. What seemed like forever, but in reality was probably only a few minutes, I felt the ocean let me go, I swam back as straight as I could, and breathed a sigh of relief. I really felt like being a bad swimmer helped me that day, as although I can be belligerent, I had zero thoughts of fighting this one, as I knew I was not equipped to. I just wonder how many good swimmers have fallen prey to the thought that they are good swimmers, but have not rationaled the extenuating circumstances.

Dang ! I just had a Rip Current under my Blanket must've been the Beans I had for Dinner.

I came from a different video called “Rip Current Science” and i thought they meant “Rest In Peace Current Science”💀

Extremely informative information. Thanks a bunch.

Whats the song?

Shad Gaspard 😭

Awesome video, also shows how hard they are to pick!