Riptide (which literally means breaking wave) actually has nothing to do with waves, and professionals tend to prefer the term “rip current”. These currents are long, narrow streams of water in large numbers and can pull swimmers away from the shore toward the sea in just a few seconds. Break currents are very dangerous and you need to know how to identify and avoid them. However, if you are caught in a breaking current, the right response will help you get back to shore safely.
Step
Step 1. Identify the breaking current
A riptide is actually a breaking current, which is a large, narrow collection of water that roars from coast to sea (or sometimes along the coast). Be aware of your surroundings and learn the signs of a current breaking:
- Stay away from water canals that look different from their surroundings. The breaking current can appear more choppy and bubbly, or it can be a silent gap in the line of breaking waves. The color of the breaking current is also somewhat different from the surroundings.
- You need to be extra vigilant during low tide and high waves, but be careful in normal conditions as current breakouts can occur at any time.
Step 2. Get out of shallow water if you feel the current breaking
If you feel a strong tug in shallow water, get out immediately. Once you've been dragged up to chest level by the water, the breaking current will be difficult to fight. If the water is still hip level or less, you can walk towards the beach (or sideways away from the current) if you have a firm footing.
Step 3. Try not to panic
If you're caught in a burst current, stay calm. The mind has to stay clear in order to get out of the flow. Understand that breaking currents don't drag you into the water, even if it feels like you're being hit by a wave. The breaking current just pulls you straight into the sea. Good swimmers don't sink right away unless they're exhausted from trying to go against the current.
Step 4. Shout for help if you are not good at swimming
The breaking current is dangerous for people who are not good at swimming. If you think you won't be able to reach the beach, call the attention of the lifeguard or others on site by waving and shouting for help.
It is best not to try to swim into the breaking current to save others as it is very dangerous. People on the beach are supposed to throw in a float that you can hold on to
Step 5. Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current
Most rupture currents are less than 9 meters wide, although some can reach 30.5-61 meters. Instead of trying to swim against a stronger current than you are, it's best to swim parallel to the shore to get out of the way of the current. The breaking current will take you further and further away from shore, but don't panic. This method is not 100% effective, but it is quite effective for strong swimmers. If possible, pay attention to the following symptoms before choosing a direction:
- Longshore currents, which are normal currents traveling parallel to the shore, are often strong enough to push you back into the breaking current if you try to swim against it. Check the direction of the current along the coast in advance by asking the lifeguard or monitoring the angle of the waves on the shore.
- Break currents often form around piers and other structures perpendicular to the coast. If you are near this structure, swim away from it.
- Swim towards the nearest breaking wave. These breakwaters indicate the edge of the breaking current.
Step 6. Save energy if needed
If you are not making progress with swimming, or are already feeling tired, conserve your energy. Float on your back or walk in the water instead of going against the current. Once you've passed the shards, the breaking current will slow down and spread in all directions, weakening it. If you don't have the energy to get back to shore, just keep floating and relaxing until you're ready to start again. Continue to signal for help if someone is on the beach.
- Most breaking currents will subside and weaken shortly after the breaking of the wave. In extreme cases, breaking currents can extend up to 305 meters offshore.
- Research shows that many currents break and eventually loop back to shore if you can float for a few minutes. This conclusion is still controversial, but can be tried if you are a weak swimmer.
Step 7. Swim diagonally towards the beach
Once you're out of the current, either by swimming sideways or being carried by the current to the end, swim toward shore. Swim diagonally away from the breakwater to minimize the chance of being dragged back by the breakwater. Maybe you've been carried far enough from shore to need to stop and float occasionally if you need a break.
Tips
- Although in English it is also commonly known as "undertow" (undercurrent), breaking currents never drag people deeper into the water. In fact, there is no type of wave that drags people deeper into the water. The series of waves hitting you near the shore can create a sinking sensation, but don't struggle to swim up to the top. Concentrate on staying afloat or gaining a firm footing.
- Never swim alone.
- Never hesitate to ask for help. If you're still unsure how to react when a current breaks and you see a lifeguard nearby, wave to him. Lifeguards are trained and experienced in breaking currents so they can help you.
- Break currents should not be underestimated, but not lethal. Lifeguards sometimes deliberately use breaking currents to reach someone far from shore, and surfers use it to chase waves. Of course, lifeguards and surfers are excellent swimmers with experience in a wide variety of surfing conditions, so it's best not to accidentally enter a breaking current. However, if you are caught in a breaking current, try to remain calm.
- Technically, the term "wave breaking" refers to another narrow, fast current that occurs when the ocean recedes. These waves are much stronger than breaking currents, but only occur in bays or other narrow waterways. Swimmers are prohibited from entering this area as it is dangerous
Warning
- Never swim against the current. The current is always stronger than you, and will tire you out and end up drowning.
- Some breaking currents flow parallel to the coast instead of toward the sea. Look closely at the coast to determine the direction of the current flow.
- If possible, stay away from breaking currents. Pay attention to all signs and warning signs of danger. When traveling, always make sure someone else is swimming with you at the beach. Otherwise, the beach may be dangerous so it is not visited by local residents.
- Even if the current rolls back to shore, you could be "thrown" into the ocean, or trap you for a few turns. If you choose to wait and float, be prepared to get out of the water when you get close to shore. Get back on your feet when you reach shallow water.
