Do rip currents always flow straight out, away from the beach?
No – Rip currents can flow at many angles away from the beach. Ultimately, if you stay calm you will be able to assess which direction is the best to swim in to escape the rip current. Generally, swimming parallel to the beach will allow you to escape the rip current if you are a strong and experienced surf swimmer.
No – Rip currents can flow at many angles away from the beach. Under certain circumstances rip currents can flow in circles within the surf zone. However, all rip currents periodically ‘pulse’ and push water beyond the breaking waves when water flow increases. Ultimately, if you stay calm you will be able to assess which direction is the best to swim in to escape the rip current. Generally, swimming parallel to the beach will allow you to escape the rip current if you are a strong and experienced surf swimmer.
