What is a rip?

A rip is a strong current of water running out to sea. Rips are formed by water in the form of waves washing up onto the beach, this water needs to find its way back out to sea. On many beaches the force of water forms a channel or pathway beyond the break called a rip.

Types of Rip

There are four different kinds of rip: permanent, fixed, flash and travelling.

Permanent

A permanent rip current will remain in the same area for months or even years. This is because the local ocean conditions change very little. Permanent fixtures such as drainage pipes and piers can also contribute to the local conditions.

Fixed

A fixed rip may last from several hours to several months. It is accompanied by a hole or gully in the sand on the ocean floor.

Flash

Flash rips appear suddenly, usually without warning. They are caused by a large build up of surf in a short period of time. The seaward pull may be intense and relatively short lived.

Travelling

A travelling rip moves along a beach propelled by a strong current from the shore.

Avoiding Rips

To avoid rips, look out for:

A darker colour because the water is deeper
A calm rippled surface, generally with smaller waves
Debris or foam floating on the surface out to sea

Getting out of a rip

If caught in a rip, don't panic. Tread water or float. Once out past the breakers, swim parallel to shore and catch waves in. Or signal for help and wait for a lifesaver to rescue you. If you are a strong swimmer you can swim at 45° across the rip into the wave area, then catch a wave back to shore.