01/01/2024
How to spot a rip.
Unfortunately, in this pic, it's actually where it looks the safest to enter the sea.
This is because the rip current is looping around and pulling back out hence it looks calm with no waves rolling to the shoreline.
Never enter the water here.
If you are already in the sea and get caught in the rip current ( you'll know because you will suddenly be moved from your location and it will be impossible to swim against it) , do not panic or fight against it.
Float and don't fight it, just float on your back or whatever to wherever the rip takes you.
Rips generally only go as far as the last breaking waves in the distance
No doubt you probably would have heard the term "swim between the flags".
Surf lifesaving New Zealand recommends swimming between the flags, and they do this because this means that stretch of water is being monitored by lifeguards. however if you do get caught in a rip, wave out and they'll come and get ya.
If you are on an isolated beach, once the rip subsides just swim parallel to the beach and make your way in.