Rips are one of the greatest and most common hazards on Australian beaches. Knowing what a rip is, how to spot one, and how to avoid one are key to staying safe at the beach.

Rip currents

A rip is a very strong and narrow current that pulls out to the sea. It’s nearly impossible to fight against a strong rip – it can pull you away from the beach at the speed of one to two metres per second! Rips are different from undertows, as they are visible and closer to the surface.

This video will help you learn how to identify a rip

The key signs to look for are

  • Darker Water: Indicates deeper water where waves carve a path back to the ocean
  • Gaps Between Waves: Calmer spots without waves can signal rip currents, as water is rushing out to sea.
  • Seaweed, Sand, and Sediment: Sandy clouds moving out to sea suggest a strong rip pulling debris along.
  • Rippled Surface: Noticeable rippled areas surrounded by smooth water show currents moving in various directions.
  • Fewer Breaking Waves: Rip channels appear where fewer waves break, with no white foam reaching the sand.

Professor Rob Brander (aka ‘Dr Rip’) is on a quest to educate people about rip currents and how to spot them.

Science-of-the-surf

If you are caught in a rip

  • Relax: Stay calm, float and conserve energy
  • Raise Your Arm: Signal for help from lifeguards
  • Help Is Coming: Lifeguards will assist you
  • Swim Parallel: Move along the beach to escape the rip, heading towards breaking waves
  • Reassess: If needed, try a different approach until you're safe or rescued

Stop - Think - Plan

  • Stop: Before you enter the water to observe the beach, the ocean, the signs
  • Think: About whether or not it is safe to enter the water
  • Plan: What to do if you or someone with you got into trouble

When Samantha and her family were caught in a rip, they learned to Stop, Think (Look), and Plan for safety at the beach. Watch the SLSA video about Samantha’s story for important lessons on beach safety.

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Rip currents are one of the biggest dangers at the beach. Knowing what a rip is, how to spot one and how to avoid one is key to staying safe at the beach.

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Each summer over 20,000 members of SLSNSW put on the iconic red and yellow uniforms at beaches across the state. So who exactly are these heroes in red and yellow? Let's find out!

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The beach is for everyone to enjoy. Knowing how to stay safe while at the beach will make sure that you and your family have the best day possible.

Beach & Ocean Safety

Be prepared before you head to the beach and learn our useful tips to keep you, your family, your friends and your loved ones safe when you visit our beautiful coast!

Beachsafe App

Before you visit the beach go to the Beach Safe website. Find a beach near you including local conditions, lifesaving services, safety advice and information about flags, signs, rips, and waves.