Rip currents, a major coastal danger causing about 100 drownings annually in the U.S., require swimmers to "flip, float, and follow" advice to conserve energy and signal for help. Lifeguards emphasize staying calm and avoiding direct struggle against the current.
A 56-year-old German tourist drowned after being caught in a rip current off the coast of Lège-Cap-Ferret, France, on Sunday, May 24. A similar incident occurred near Lacanau, and rescue services have pulled 31 people from the water since Friday.
Euan Gray, 22, survived a rip current at Tynemouth by using the RNLI's 'Float to Live' technique. He and his brother Andrew are now running a campaign to raise awareness and funds for their rescuers.
Euan Gray, 22, is fronting the RNLI's 'Float to Live' campaign after surviving a rip current. He and his brother used the technique to stay afloat until rescued. They are now raising funds and awareness.
Drone footage captured by surf photographer Jamen Percy has documented a rare and potentially dangerous rip current forming close to the shoreline at Manly Beach in Sydney. The footage shows a strong circular motion where sand and seawater are drawn into a spinning vortex beyond the breaking waves. The rip current, which formed on Monday shortly before midday, demonstrates the hidden dangers that make these currents a major hazard along Australian beaches, contributing to multiple drowning incidents annually.
