​RIP Currents


What are RIPS? How can we avoid them?

Due to Bantham’s location on a tidal estuary, there are very dangerous currents, particularly at the river mouth of the River Avon. Also, we have a very strong RIP current on the left-hand side of our beach, next to the cliff edge/ rocks.
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At Bantham the RIP occurs when there are large waves pushing in at ANY state of tide. It predominately pulls water from RIGHT to LEFT as you look at the sea. It pulls you alongside the rocks on the left of the beach.

A RIP current is a strong current of water running out to sea. It usually occurs when a channel forms between sandbars and rocks. Waves build up water on the beach which the returns out to sea through the channel forming a fast-flowing current. The larger the surf the faster the RIP current. RIP currents are very dangerous as they can carry water users out into very deep water. They are the main cause of Surf Rescues

Picture
Rescue at Bantham of bodyboarders trapped in the RIP
RNLI Video 

Good Video Explaining Rip Tide Click here ​



Identifying a RIP current – the feature below can help you to spot and avoid RIP current:

  • Murky brown water, caused by sand stirred up of the sea bed
  • A rippled look, when the water around is more or less calm
  • Waves breaking further out on both sides of the rip (in Bantham’s case only the right-hand side)
  • Darker colour of the sea, indicating deep water
  • Debris floating out to sea

Caught in a RIP current –
  • DO NOT PANIC!
  • Never try and swim against the RIP
  • If you are a strong swimmer, swim at an angle of 45 degrees across the RIP
  • If you are tired or a weaker swimmer, try and preserve as much energy as you can, FLOAT and then wave and shout for help with one hand. Try and attract the attention of beach users or a lifeguard. OR swim parallel to the shore for 30/40 metres to where the breaking waves are and come straight back to shore. Seek medical help.
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