In my article about Whatipu Beach I said that swimming there is dangerous due to rip currents. I would like to explain more about what rip currents exactly are.

Rip Current

Rip current is a strong surface flow of water flowing from the shore to the sea. Rip currents are even more strong and dangerous during the low tide. Their typical flow is 0.5 meters per second, but sometimes they can reach 2.5 meters per second! Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves.

The Dangers of Rip Current

Rip current can be very dangerous – if you don’t notice it and go swimming, you will have a big problem returning to the shore as the rip current will drag you back to the sea. But the real danger for most people is not from the fact of “dragging” but from exhaustion! They try to fight the current and return to the shore becoming exhausted quickly.

Surviving Rip Currents

In order to survive rip current, don’t try to fight it and swim against the current towards the shallow water, it is much more stronger than you are (even if you are a good swimmer). Just swim sideways (parallel to the beach) instead. Rip currents usually less than 9 meters wide (though they can be 60 to 800 meters long). After you pass the rip current by swimming sideways, you will be able to get back to the shore with waves helping you instead of dragging you back to the sea. The most important thing is to stay calm and conserve your energy.

How to recognize rip current

Rip currents can be recognized by unusually calm waters, caused by the channel of water flowing out. The color of the water may be different from the surrounding area. In addition the water-line is lower on the shore near a rip current.

Enjoy the wonderful beaches of New Zealand and stay safe!

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