Caught in a rip? Remember this one crucial rule
Rips are common at Australian surf beaches and contribute to around 25 to 30 drownings annually, more than other natural hazards combined. The key to surviving a rip is to stay calm, float, and avoid swimming against the current, which can lead to exhaustion. Instead, people should signal for help or swim parallel to the shore if possible, as many rips eventually circulate back to safety.
- ▪Rips are responsible for more deaths in Australia than bushfires, floods, cyclones, and sharks combined.
- ▪Contrary to myth, rips do not pull people underwater or sweep them far out to sea; they often circulate back to shallow water.
- ▪Swimming against a rip is dangerous and exhausting—experts advise floating, signaling for help, or swimming parallel to escape it.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","dateModified":"2026-05-01T22:19:59Z","datePublished":"2026-05-01T22:19:59Z","description":"If you’re swimming at a surf beach without flags or lifeguards, keep these tips in mind.","headline":"Caught in a rip? Remember this one crucial rule","keywords":"Good Weekend, How to..., Swimming, Drowning","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Tim…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.