RIP CURRENTS

Rips are strong currents that start near the shore and rush out seaward, quickly taking you out of your comfort zone, from the shallows to deeper water. Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers. They are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groynes, jetties and piers.

How to identify RIP currents

• A channel of churning, choppy, green, deeper water.
• An area having a notable difference in water colour, normally dark green or blue in sunshine.
• A line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward.
• A break in the incoming wave.
• Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see the rip currents

If caught in a rip current

• Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
• Do not try to swim against the current.
• Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
• If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself
• If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 999 or 112.
• Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape.
• Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

– For more information visit the Garda Summer Ready page