URGENT UPDATE: With summer 2023 underway, beach safety experts are sounding the alarm about rip currents, a leading cause of coastal rescues in Australia. On his podcast, Life’s a Beach, Professor Rob Brander, known as ‘Dr Rip’, emphasizes the importance of recognizing these dangerous water formations before diving in.
New reports confirm that rip currents are a strong, narrow flow of water moving away from the shore, often appearing deceptively calm. Dr Brander warns that many beachgoers may be unaware of the subtle signs that indicate a rip is forming, particularly as thousands flock to unpatrolled beaches this season.
According to Dr Brander, the following key indicators can help beachgoers identify rip currents from the shore:
– A calm patch in the surf: While it may look inviting, a quieter channel between breaking waves is often a rip.
– Darker water: Rips create deeper channels in the sand, causing the water to appear darker than surrounding surf.
– Foam and debris moving offshore: Look for seaweed, sand, or bubbles flowing away from the beach—these are strong indicators of an underlying rip.
– A disturbed surface: Choppy waves contrasting with calmer surroundings often signify a rip current.
Authorities stress that understanding these signs is crucial, especially for visitors heading to the South Coast’s many beaches. Dr Brander highlights that rips commonly form around sandbanks, headlands, and structures like jetties, making vigilance essential.
In case a swimmer is caught in a rip current, Dr Brander advises remaining calm. “Float and signal for help,” he states. “Avoid swimming directly against the current; instead, move parallel to the beach to escape the channel.”
Steve Jones from Surf Life Saving South Coast reinforces this message, urging all swimmers to stay within the red and yellow flags at beaches, which are monitored daily by trained lifeguards. “These flagged areas are assessed for safety every day,” he explains.
As thousands of locals and tourists are expected at Shoalhaven beaches, understanding how to spot a rip current and adhering to safety measures is more critical than ever. This knowledge could save lives.
Stay informed and share this vital information with friends and family to ensure a safe summer at the beach.
