06/10/2023
Just saw this post on fb. If it saves just one life this summer it’s worth sharing
I'm always complaining that this isn't made more visible to people visiting our beaches. It's boggling to know that even some 'coasties' don't know this so I'm sharing it to hopefully help spread the word. This is really simple. You can spot a rip current. Unfortunately, it's where it looks easiest and safest to enter the sea. This is because the rip current is looping around and pulling back OUT. Hence no waves rolling IN. NEVER ENTER THE SEA HERE. If you are already in the sea and get caught in a rip current (you'll know because you will suddenly be moved from your location and it will be impossible to swim against it) don't panic. Swim ACROSS, not against the rip current. For example, rather than trying to swim to shore while being pushed out, swim parallel to the beach and you will be able to get out. Then you can swim ashore. Please educate friends or family visiting the beaches this summer. Stay safe 🙏
EDIT: This post is about rip currents, NOT rip tides which are a different ocean phenomenon. These come about from the waves interacting with the sea bed and are very unpredictable. Due to some insensitive comments with regards to a recent tragic event, I have been asked to clarify this.
