A fine day with a light to moderate wind. The sea is not too rough. You’re off for a day at the beach. No matter how calm the sea is, always keep a look out for potential rip currents. What are rip currents? A rip is a strong, localised, and narrow current of water which moves directly away from the shore, cutting through the lines of breaking waves like a river running out to sea, and is strongest near the surface of the water. A rip current manifests itself as a noticeable break in the pattern of the waves. The water often looks flat at the rip, in contrast to the lines of breaking waves on either side of the rip. Rip currents are a potential source of danger for people in shallow water with breaking waves. They can flow at up to 2.5 metres per second and may extend for a long distance. They are however, very narrow. What to do if you are caught in a rip current? You will feel that a current is pushing you out to sea. Do not panic. Do not try to swim against the current. Instead, swim slowly towards the side of the current, parallel to the beach. As you exist the current, you will feel its power declining. Trying to swim against the current will leave you exhausted and unable to stay afloat. It is very important to share this information with family and friends, so they too can be safer on a day on the beach this summer. Make sure to remind your kids about it when visiting the beach.