17 Aug 2026
Rip currents are the cause of the majority of RNLI lifeguard rescues around the coast. They can form suddenly, dragging people out to sea and flowing faster than an Olympic swimmer. So, how do you spot a rip current, avoid getting caught in one, and survive if you do?

Liam from the RNLI Water Safety Team explains exactly what to do if you or someone else gets caught in a rip current, so you’re prepared in an emergency.

You’ll also hear from Euan, who was caught in a rip current with his brother Andrew. He shares his incredible story and explains how he survived.

RNLI Lifeguard Elenie shares tips for spotting rip currents and explains how RNLI lifeguards rescue people who get into difficulty.

Associate Professor of Ocean Exploration Doctor Tim Scott from the University of Plymouth talks about the science behind rip currents and the research that has helped inform RNLI lifeguard training and water safety advice. Tim explains the different types of rip current, how they form, and answers a common question – what’s the difference between a rip current and a rip tide?

Understanding rip currents and knowing what to do if you get caught in one could save your life. Share this video to help keep people safer at the coast.

00:00 Introduction to rip currents
02:12 Rip current survivor story
04:14 What to do if you see someone in difficulty
04:47 What to do if you get caught in a rip current
06:03 How to avoid rip currents
06:53 RNLI Lifeguard Elenie
08:48 Types of rip current
11:08 The difference between rip current and rip tide
12:27 Scientific research

📍Find your nearest lifeguarded beach https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/life…
🛟 How to Float to Live https://rnli.org/water-safety/float
📖 The science behind rip currents https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/discover/u…

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are ready to launch to help those in need. Whether you’re stuck on a sinking ship, cut off by a rapidly rising tide, or in the water and close to drowning, RNLI crew members will drop everything to come to your rescue. The vast majority of RNLI lifeboat crews and station staff are volunteers.

But it’s not just lifeboats. RNLI lifeguards patrol 242 beaches, keeping people safe, providing safety advice and rescuing those in trouble. Education volunteers visit schools and swimming clubs to help teach the next generation how to enjoy the water safely. And volunteer fundraisers and shop workers give up their time to generate vital funds. The RNLI is also working to help communities around the world that are most at risk of drowning.

If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

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The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. Clayton Engineering Limited (Registered No. 01274923). R.N.L.I. (Sales) Limited (registration number 2202240) also trading as RNLI Shop. RNLI College Limited (registration number 7705470). All companies are registered in England and Wales with registered offices at West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.

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