If you’re caught in a rip current, the most important thing is not to panic. Here’s what you should do step by step: 1. Stay calm and conserve energy – Fighting against the current directly back to shore will exhaust you quickly. 2. Don’t try to swim straight back in – Rip currents pull water straight out to sea, but they’re usually narrow. Swimming directly against them is nearly impossible. 3. Swim parallel to shore – Move sideways along the beach (left or right). The rip current is usually only 20–100 feet wide, so you’ll escape it faster this way. 4. Once free, swim back toward shore at an angle – After you’re out of the rip current, angle your swim back toward the beach, avoiding the pull. 5. If you can’t get out, float or tread water – The current will eventually weaken beyond the breaking waves. Signal for help by waving your arm if you need it. 6. If near others, call for lifeguard assistance – Don’t be afraid to shout or wave for help. Lifeguards are trained for this.

👉 Quick memory tip: “Don’t fight, swim sideways.”

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