Rip Currents and Waves

Waves are caused by wind blowing over the surface of the ocean. The longer, stronger and further it blows, the bigger the waves will be.

There are three kinds of waves:

Shore Dump
Where the beach is relatively steep waves can break with considerable force. It can be dangerous to swim in these waves. They are a common cause of broken limbs and back injuries, take care!

Spilling Waves
The crest of a spilling wave tumbles down the front. If the sandbank where it breaks is shallow, the spilling crest will form a 'tube'. These are the best waves for body surfing.

Surging Waves
These never break, because the water beneath them is deep, but they can knock people off their feet and drag them back out.

Rip Currents

A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches.

A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water which then returns to sea, causing a drag effect.

The larger the surf, the stronger the rip. Rips are dangerous as they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water.

Rip Current Signs

1. Darker colour, indicating deeper water.
2. Murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom.
3. Smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves).
4. Waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip.
5. Debris floating out to sea.
6. A rippled look, when the water around is generally calm.

What to do if you get caught in a rip?

1. Don't Panic - stay calm.
2. Float with the current, don't fight it.
3. Swim parallel to the shore for about 30 - 40m until you reach the breaking wave zone, then swim back to shore or signal for help.
4. Remember to stay calm and conserve your energy.