How to spot a rip current 'faster than an Olympic swimmer' ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend

Ahead of the August Bank Holiday, the Irish Coast Guard has issued a safety warning to people planning on going for a swim.

The weather forecast for the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend predicts strong winds with gusts up to Force 9 in some areas, increasing the risk of tragedies from people sea swimming.

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are pleading with swimmers and particularly those who may be visiting an area they are not familiar with over the Bank Holiday weekend, to learn the warning signs, read local safety notices and seek advice before entering the water. 

Offshore winds make it even easier to be swept out to sea and harder to return safely, the warning states.

Swimmers, paddleboarders and other water users are urged not to take to the water in such conditions and make sure to never use inflatable toys in open water.

Rip Currents: 

Rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people and debris away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water.

They tend to flow at 1–2mph but can reach 4–5mph, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer. Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but people should never underestimate the power of any water. They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.

While they can be difficult to spot, they are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface. Even the most experienced people can be caught out by rips, so we would encourage swimmers to not be afraid to ask for advice. 

To avoid a rip current:

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• Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags which have been marked based on where it is safer to swim in the current conditions. Find your closest lifeguarded beach at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards/
• Wear a bright coloured swimming cap
• Swim with others, never go alone.

If you do find yourself caught in a rip:

• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted
• If you can stand, wade don’t swim
• If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore
• Always raise your hand and shout for help
• If you see someone in difficulty or suspect they are in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard