Skip to main content

Loading emergency guide...

Showing immediate actions

Rip current

●Critical

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Exhaustion
Pulling away from shore
Panicking
Undertow

Quick summary

Do not fight it. Float. Swim sideways along the beach.

Do This Now

Step 1: Do not swim toward the shore against the current
Step 2: Float or swim parallel to the shore until free of the current
Step 3: Wave for help and conserve energy
Step 4: Call for lifeguard or shout to people on shore

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT swim directly against the current toward shore — you will exhaust yourself.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT panic and thrash — this causes drowning.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wave both arms overhead. Shout to people on shore to call lifeguard or 112.

When Professional Care Is Needed

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If you swallowed water or feel chest pain after rescue — go to hospital immediately.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not attempt to rescue someone in a rip current by swimming to them unless you are a trained lifeguard.

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Learn more

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

Full guide and explanation →

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

Current step: Step 1 of 4

Rip current — Do This Now | AidNow