From our Community Newsletter - March 2026
Rip currents:
If you get caught in a rip current:
1. Stay calm, panic is the biggest danger. Remember rip currents don’t last forever, and you can float.
2. Don’t swim straight back to shore, this is the the mistake most people make. You’ll be swimming against the rip current and get exhausted quickly.
3. Float or tread water. Let the current carry you for a bit while you catch your breath. Lie on your back if you can, in the float to live position to keep your energy. Float to live is the RNLI advice for floating on your back like a star.
4. Once you have caught your breath and are calmer you can swim parallel to the shore. Swim left or right, not straight into the rip current. Rip currents are usually narrow so you can get out by moving sideways.
5. Then swim back to shore when the current weakens, head back in at an angle and keep swimming until you can stand up.
6. If you can’t swim out of the rip current you need to signal for help - Raise one arm up in the air and call out if possible.
Remember:
Float, don’t fight. Swim sideways.
If you’re at a beach with lifeguards, always swim between the flags!
Happy dipping and swimming!