Beach & Coastal Safety Resource Hub
The hub has been developed to help equip all communities with the confidence, knowledge, resources and tools to prevent drownings and create safe, fun, welcoming and enjoyable coastal experiences.
How to spot a rip current
Rips are complex, can quickly change shape and location, and at times, are difficult to see. The things to look for are;
- Deeper and/or darker water
- Fewer breaking waves
- Sandy coloured water extending beyond the surf zone
- Debris or seaweed
- Significant water movement
Rips don’t always show all of these signs at once. Sometimes it can be easier to look for where the waves are breaking consistently, and then look to each side where they don’t break consistently. Those areas are rip currents.
The above video is also available with the following subtitles: Arabic | Chinese Simplified | Chinese Traditional | Hindi | Japanese | Korean | Malay
How to survive a rip current
- Relax – stay calm and float to conserve your energy.
- Raise – raise your arm and attract attention from lifeguards or lifesavers.
- Rescue – the lifeguards or lifesavers will be on their way to help you.
- While floating, rip currents may flow in a circular pattern and return you to an adjacent sandbar
- You may escape the rip current by swimming parallel to the beach, towards the breaking waves.
- Reassess your situation. If what you’re doing isn’t working, try one of the other options until you’re rescued or return to shore.
The above video is also available with the following subtitles: Arabic | Chinese Simplified | Chinese Traditional | Hindi | Japanese | Korean | Malay
Learn more about rip currents on our Beach & Coastal Safety Resource Hub.
The Think Line
We’re drawing the line on rips to make you stop and think before getting in the water.
STOP to check for rips.
LOOK for other dangers.
PLAN how to stay safe.