What is a rip?

A rip is a very strong current, that is a channel of water seeking it's way back out to sea. Rips are the most common cause of rescues on Australian beaches.

Rips usually occur when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, large waves have built up water which then returns to sea, causing a drag effect.

Generally, the larger the surf the stronger the rip. Rips can be dangerous for all swimmers, but especially weak or tired swimmers, as they get dragged out to sea.

Identifying a Rip

The following features will alert you to the presence of a rip:

• darker colour, indicating deeper water
• murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
• smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves)
• waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip
• debris floating out to sea
• a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm