SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/rip-current-swim-parallel

A rip current is pulling you away from the beach. Which way should you swim?

Parallel to the shore, then back to land at an angle.

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The Just Right card

Too littleJust let it carry you out to sea
Too muchSwim straight at shore until exhausted
Just rightSwim sideways out of it, then angle in

Huh, didn't know that: A rip current is not a rip tide; NOAA says the two terms are often confused.

The dad joke
Why is the ocean always blue? Because the shore never waves back.
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References

Answer: Parallel to the shore. Don't fight the current. NOAA says swim parallel to the shore, then swim back to land at an angle. Rip currents are narrow, so going sideways gets you out.

  1. NOAA Ocean Service: What is a rip current? oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ripcurrent.html
    If caught in a rip current, don't fight it! Swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

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