RIP TIP #1: FLIP-FLOAT-FOLLOW

RIP TIP #1

“Rip currents are strongest at the surface of the water, they do not pull us under the water”.

What does that mean?

First and foremost, there are several currents at play in the Great Lakes each with their own scientific name/definition.

When we’re talking about rip currents, we’re talking about a current that is the strongest at the surface of the water.

Rip currents flow in the same space as humans swim. Humans, especially when they are scared in the water, will stay at the surface. I often hear people telling me that the “Lake will pull swimmers under the water, drag them out into deeper water and hold them underwater”.

This simply isn’t the case.

Knowing that rip currents are the strongest at the surface of the water is valuable information that a swimmer can use to self rescue:

a) Rip currents will not pull us underwater. Rip currents will pull us into deeper water where we can’t touch the bottom.

b) Rip currents will behave like a river at the surface. (A river has borders and a river flows consistently, only this river will dissipate in deeper water).

FLIP-FLOAT-FOLLOW - an easy phrase to remember how to self-rescue in a rip current:

FLIP - onto your back

FLOAT - allow yourself to float and conserve energy, breathe and float up and down over the waves.

FOLLOW - follow the current and allow it to take you into deeper water. The rip current will release you and you can follow the waves safely back to shore.

* Breaking waves change in character beyond the “surf zone” (past the shallow sandbars), they are less relentless and offer a reprieve in deeper water.