Last updated: 6 August 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Makin, FA Level 2 Football Coach
How to spot a rip current
If you're caught in a rip current
- Stay calm. Rip currents don't pull you under — they pull you out. Panic is the biggest risk factor, not the current itself.
- Don't swim directly against it. Fighting a rip head-on exhausts you without escaping it — most rips are relatively narrow.
- Swim parallel to shore to exit the current, then angle back in once you're clear of it.
- If you can't escape it, float or tread water and let it carry you — most rips weaken and dissipate a short distance from shore, after which you can swim back in at an angle.
- On a surfboard, use it as flotation — stay with your board (it's attached by your leash) and paddle parallel to shore rather than straight in.
- Signal for help if you're in trouble — wave an arm and call out. Lifeguards are trained specifically to spot and respond to rip current rescues.
Prevention
- Surf at lifeguarded beaches where possible, especially if you're less experienced with a new break.
- Check local surf and safety reports before paddling out — many beaches post rip current risk levels.
- Never surf alone at an unfamiliar break, particularly one with a reputation for strong currents.
Top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Surf Leash (Coiled, Ankle) | Keeps your board attached and usable as flotation if conditions turn. | Check price → |
| Option | Waterproof Whistle (Attachable) | Signal for help if you're in trouble in the water. | Check price → |
| Option | Rash Guard with UPF Protection | Sun protection for long sessions monitoring conditions from the water. | Check price → |
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Frequently asked questions
What does a rip current actually feel like?
Most people describe suddenly feeling like they're not making progress toward shore despite swimming, or being pulled steadily further out than expected. It's not a dramatic yank underwater — it's usually a steady, surprising pull seaward that becomes obvious once you notice you're further from the beach than you were a minute ago.
Are rip currents more dangerous for surfers than swimmers?
Surfers are generally at lower risk than swimmers because a surfboard provides flotation and swimmers panic more easily without one — but rip currents are still a leading cause of ocean rescues and drownings worldwide, including among surfers who become separated from their board or panic in unfamiliar conditions.