New Rip Current Escape Strategy: Don't Fight It, Float It

Rip Current Escape: Experts Urge New Strategy Melbourne Beach, Florida – For years, beachgoers have been advised to swim parallel to the shore if caught in a rip current. However, a recent ABC News report reveals that this long-held advice may not always be the safest approach. Lifeguards and water safety experts now suggest a different strategy. "Where there's a dip, there's a rip," explains a lifeguard interviewed in the ABC News segment. This simple observation helps identify areas prone to rip currents. The video shows clear visual indicators of rip currents, including dips in the shoreline where water extends further onto the beach, white foam, and debris being pulled away from the shore. The video also demonstrates the updated escape method. Instead of fighting the current, experts advise swimmers to conserve energy by floating and allowing the current to carry them out. Once the pull subsides, swimmers should then swim at an angle back to shore. ABC News reporter Victor Oquendo bravely tested this method, highlighting the importance of remaining calm and avoiding panic. "It's chaotic and disorienting," Oquendo said after his experience. "Human instinct wants you to fight, but that can lead to exhaustion." The video emphasizes that even experienced swimmers may not have the energy to swim directly back to shore against a strong rip current. This updated guidance offers a critical life-saving approach. By understanding rip current indicators and employing the new escape strategy, beachgoers can significantly improve their safety.