Because rip currents are a dynamic and variable hazard, survival once caught in a rip current can require different responses, or sequence of responses, for any particular situation. A common myth is that rip currents will pull you down. This is incorrect. A rip current will only pull you through the water either circulating you back to the surf zone or out to sea. People can drown because they attempt to swim against the rip current for too long, become exhausted and are then unable to stay afloat until they return to shallow water or are rescued. When caught in a rip current it is important to remain calm, do not panic, conserve your energy and consider your options.
The viable options available to a swimmer caught in a rip current are described in the rip current survival principles flow chart.
These survival principles apply to a majority of complex scenarios a person may experience when caught in a rip current. A successful escape from a rip current may require a combination of responses if the initial response is ineffective. Some idealised examples are provided in Table 1.
Despite the inherent complexity of rip current survival for inexperienced surf swimmers, rip currents can be useful tools for lifesavers and surfers who use their offshore flow to quickly and efficiently negotiate the surf zone and access victims.