Did you know rip currents continue to be our number one coastal hazard? During our April Appeal, we conducted a rip current quiz on our website. The response was incredible, so with that in mind, we decided to keep the quiz answers here on our blog so you can access them easily.

Why not quiz your friends, or your children? It’s a great opportunity to open a conversation about water safety with your loved ones.

 

Q1 . What are the common characteristics of a rip current?

The key signs to look for are:

• Deeper and/or darker water
• Fewer breaking waves
• Sandy coloured water extending beyond the surf zone
• Debris or seaweed
• Significant water movement

Q2 . How can you survive a rip current?

If you’re caught in a rip current, stay calm, conserve your energy and consider these options:

• Stay calm
• Seek help. Raise your arm and call out. You may be rescued
• Float with the current. It may return you to a shallow sandbank
• Swim parallel to the beach or towards the breaking waves. You may escape the rip current

 

Q3 . Which direction should you swim to escape a rip current?

Swim parallel to the beach or towards the breaking waves to try to escape the rip current.

 

Q4 . What is the best way to avoid a rip current?

By swimming at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags.

 

Q5. What equipment might be used to rescue someone from a rip current?

Commonly, an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB), Rescue Water Craft (RWC) or rescue board may be used to rescue someone from a rip.

 

To learn more about rip currents and other beach safety information, visit beachsafe.org.au