Quick cardNature and water
Nature and water

Rip current at the beach

A channel of water pulls you out to sea. It doesn't pull you under: it carries you away from shore.

Call 911
Do this nowTap each step when done
  1. 1Don't fight the current. Keep your head up and breathe.
  2. 2Float on your back, arms and legs spread.
  3. 3Swim parallel to shore until it no longer pulls you.
  4. 4Return diagonally to the beach, using the waves.
  5. 5If you can't, keep floating, wave your arms, and shout.
1. Don't fight it: float, head up   2. Swim parallel to shore   3. No longer pulled: return diagonally
Don't
  • Don't swim straight to shore against the current.
  • Don't go in to rescue anyone: throw them something that floats.
  • Don't go in when the risk is high, even if the sea looks calm.
  • Don't swim alone at beaches without lifeguards.
Have ready
  • NWS rip current forecast before you go.
  • Something that floats: empty cooler, board, large bottle with a cap.
  • Watch for stretches without waves or dark, foamy water moving out to sea.
Key factSee someone trapped? Alert the lifeguard or call 911. Shout "Float! Swim sideways!" and don't lose sight of them.

More detail

Ch. 13 · Sea, lakes, and riversOpen chapter
Next urgent cardUnconscious person / not breathing: CPR and AED

Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 13 · Sea, lakes, and rivers