When you go to the beach and see a spot with no waves, don’t come closer. This could be a rip current, which can appear randomly along the coast. These areas typically have a darker color because the water is deeper, and the surface is calmer with smaller waves. If you step into a rip current, the water can sweep you out to sea at a speed so fast that even an Olympic swimmer would struggle to swim back. Rip currents are responsible for 80% of drownings at sea.

If you get caught in a rip current, the first thing to do is stay calm. Instead of trying to swim directly back to shore, swim horizontally to escape the current. Once you’re out of the current, you can then swim back to shore at an angle. If you’re unable to swim out of the current, try to float or tread water and signal for help. Remember, conserving your energy and staying calm can make all the difference in a dangerous situation. Always be aware of the signs and stay safe at the beach.