The term “rip tide” is often used in the UK, but it’s actually a bit of a misnomer. These aren’t tides; they are rip currents. They are strong, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow from the shore back out to sea. They are formed when waves break on the beach, pushing water landward, which then needs to find a way back out. It searches for the “path of least resistance,” usually a deeper channel between sandbars or near structures like piers and groynes.
Think of a rip current as a treadmill in the water. It won’t pull you under, but it will pull you away from the safety of the shallows very quickly—sometimes at speeds of 8 feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer!
How to Spot a Rip Current Like a Pro
To the untrained eye, a rip current can look like the safest place to swim because the water often appears calmer. This is the “siren’s call” of the rip. Here is what to look for before you dip a toe in:
The “Gap” in the Waves: Look for a section where waves aren’t breaking. While waves are crashing to the left and right, a rip current often looks like a flat, calm channel in between.
Discoloured Water: Because rips are powerful, they churn up sand from the seabed. Look for a “river” of brown or murkier water extending out from the beach.
Debris and Foam: Watch for lines of sea foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily away from the shore into the open ocean.
Choppy Surface: Sometimes the surface of a rip looks “agitated” or “churning,” like a different texture compared to the surrounding sea.
The RNLI Flag System: Your Visual Guide
The simplest way to stay safe in the UK is to visit a lifeguarded beach (there are over 240 across the UK and Channel Islands). The lifeguards do the hard work of spotting rips for you.
| Flag | Meaning | Safety Action |
| Red and Yellow | Lifeguarded Area | Safe to swim and bodyboard. Always stay between these flags. |
| Black and White | Surf/Craft Zone | Safe for surfboards, kayaks, and paddleboards. Do not swim here. |
| Solid Red | Danger! | Do not enter the water. Conditions are unsafe for everyone. |
| Orange Windsock | Offshore Winds | No inflatables. Strong winds will blow you out to sea. |
What to Do If You Get Caught: The “Float to Live” Strategy
If you find yourself being pulled away from the shore, the most important thing is to resist the urge to swim directly back to the beach. You will be swimming against a powerful current, you will get exhausted, and that is when panic sets in.
Instead, follow the RNLI’s “Float to Live” advice:
Fight Your Instinct: Your instinct will be to thrash and swim hard. Don’t.
Lean Back: Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally.
Use Your Hands: Gently scull your hands to help you stay afloat.
Escape or Signal: * If you are a strong swimmer: Swim parallel to the shore. Rip currents are usually narrow (10–20 metres). Once you are out of the pull, you will feel the waves pushing you back toward the land.
If you are tired or can’t swim well: Stay on your back, conserve your energy, and raise one arm while shouting for help.
3 Common Myths About Rip Currents
“Rips pull you under.” False. Rips only pull you out. They are surface currents. Drowning occurs when swimmers become exhausted trying to fight the current.
“Calm water is safe water.” False. As we’ve learned, the calm gap between breaking waves is often the most dangerous part of the beach.
“I’m a strong swimmer, I’ll be fine.” False. Even Olympic-level swimmers cannot outswim a strong rip. Safety is about strategy, not strength.
FAQ: Coastal Safety 101
1. Are rip currents more common at low tide?
In many parts of the UK, especially the West Country (Cornwall and Devon), rips are often more active around low tide when sandbars are more exposed, creating deeper channels for the water to escape.
2. Can I spot a rip from the shore?
Yes, but it’s easier from a higher vantage point, like a cliff path or a sand dune. Spend 5 minutes observing the wave patterns before you enter the water.
3. What should I do if I see someone else in a rip?
Do not enter the water to save them. You may become a second casualty. Alert a lifeguard immediately or call 999 (or 112) and ask for the Coastguard. If possible, throw them something that floats (a surfboard, a cooler, or a lifebuoy).
4. Why are there rips near piers and jetties?
Permanent structures like piers “catch” the water moving along the coast (longshore currents) and force it to turn 90 degrees out to sea, creating permanent “fixed” rips. Never swim right next to a pier or groyne.
5. Are inflatables safe to use if there are no rips?
In the sea, inflatables are never truly safe. Even a light breeze (especially an offshore wind) can pull an inflatable out to sea faster than you can swim back. Keep them for the swimming pool!
