Rip Currents │ Swim Between The Flags | Water Safety Ireland

Rip currents generally emerge in an area of darker water. Often the surface of the water is unsettled and if there are waves, they will be breaking on either side, but not directly in the rip.

People can be swept out to sea extremely quickly in a rip current and will quickly find themselves out of their depth. They need to be aware of the flags and the signs on the beach. A sign will often indicate if there is a rip current in the area and if there is a red flag, that means it’s dangerous to swim.

Our top three tips to stay safe around rip currents:
1. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Red and yellow mean it’s safe to swim.
2. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to the beach. This will get you out of the rip current and you will be able to swim in.
3. If you can’t do this, raise your arm and a lifeguard will be there to assist you.