If you notice you are in trouble or you simply don't feel safe. Stay as calm as possible and lean back to float. Keep your airways (mouth and nose) out of the water and fight your instinct to swim and get out.

 

Tilt your head back and use gentle arm movements. Keeping your airways clear will stop you from breathing in water.

Ride the rip until it stops and you can swim back to shore or help arrives. Remain floating until the current weakens. Many rips will circulate and bring you back into shallower waters closer to the shore where you may be able to stand.

 

When the current has subsided, and only if you are sure you can swim to the nearest point on the shore, should you attempt to swim to safety.

After you are floating and staying calm, raise your hand to signal for help.

 

Signal for help by putting your hand up to attract attention from lifeguards, surfers or someone on the beach who can get help.

Waves can be bigger than they look, dangerous rip currents are hard to spot and weather conditions can be unpredictable especially at Bethells Beach.

 

If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out and enjoy the beautiful beach. People get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions.