A rip current (rip current/ rip current/ rip current) is a strong current of water flowing from the shore towards the sea. The average speed of the receding current is about 0.5m – 1m/s, even up to 2.5m/s, no one can swim upstream to reach shore. The width of the flow is usually narrow, about 1 – 3m, and in some cases up to tens of meters wide; In one day, the ebb current can move to many different locations in the wave fall zone.

The receding current is created by waves hitting the shore, causing the water to turn to both sides. This water current moves along the shore until it finds a way out to sea, creating a receding current away from the shore. Usually, rip currents operate within a narrow range and occur in waters with sand bars, under piers or along breakwaters.

The water surface where there are rip currents is often calm, with few waves, making us mistakenly think that it is a safe place and we can bathe. Rip currents can pull a person deeper even if he or she is standing in waist-high water.

How to identify withdrawal lines

*Image of a current receding away from the shore*

In the picture above, the place where the waves start is where the water flows from the sea to the shore. If we swim in the sea where there are waves, we will be brought to shore by the waves. However, if we move into a calm area (between the two arrows), we will fall into the current receding away from the shore. This small current will immediately pull us gradually away from shore. Thus, the area with waves is the safe water area, while the calm area is the dangerous area.

*The receding stream is usually darker in color because the water is deeper there*

Identify withdrawal lines:

The stream has a different color than the surrounding water, usually darker and more opaque depending on the angle of sunlight.
Sometimes it is possible to see fragments of floating objects or water foam floating on the surface of the current rolling away from the shore and drifting out to sea. Meanwhile, breaking waves will push this debris closer to shore.
The receding stream has a calmer water surface and fewer waves. If you move into a calm area, you will fall into the offshore current. On the contrary, if you swim in the sea where there are waves, you will be washed ashore by the waves.

Avoid current withdrawal

Before entering the water

Take 5 – 10 minutes to observe the place you intend to bathe or swim and see if there is a current receding away from the shore.
Pay attention to signs and seek information from local rescuers or experienced people.

Once in the water

While swimming, pay attention to observe to detect currents receding away from the shore because this water current can move and appear (when on the shore it is not visible, but when underwater, the current recedes away from the shore only to appear).
When encountering a current receding away from the shore: Calmly float, swim with the current and find a way to escape because this current only operates strongly on the surface of the water. The further away from the shore, the weaker it becomes.

People on the shore, people to the rescue

People who are on shore or have not been caught in the rip current should do the following:

Do not swim to the rescue because you will drift away.
You can throw buoys and ropes (if any) and shout loudly to call a professional rescuer or a good, experienced swimmer to rescue you.
Call, speak loudly for the victim to hear to calm down, try to float freely, swim standing up, do not swim against the current, do not panic and someone will help.
Urgently call the rescue team for help.

Note: Absolutely do not swim into the current receding from the shore to save, but you need to stay away, find rescue objects, throw a life buoy and quickly spread the news, calling for professional rescue forces.

Improve your drowning rescue skills by participating in SSVN Survival Skills courses

How to escape when caught in a current

Quickly call for help, stay calm, absolutely do not swim against the current, swim parallel or slightly diagonal to the shore and then slowly try to separate from the current to swim to shore. The farther you go from shore, the weaker the current becomes and then dissipates. Sometimes you have to swim hundreds of meters to escape.
When swimming to shore, head towards points where waves hit the shore or towards objects floating on the water’s surface that are drifting towards the shore (if seen) to avoid falling into other currents receding from the shore.
If you encounter a strong current and cannot swim diagonally to escape, you should relax, keep your body floating on the water surface or stand in the water to preserve your strength. When the current weakens, continue to swim diagonally or parallel to the shore to escape.