rips

a rip current flows straight out to sea

We can learn a lot about avoiding and escaping this natural hazard by asking survivors what being caught in a rip is really like.

Surfer with a board going into the surf off rocks

When a loved one is struggling in the water, you might want to rush in to save them. But make sure you stop and think or you could become the one in trouble.

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Increased knowledge, education and resources are needed to address the ongoing problem of rip current drownings on Australian beaches, writes Rob Brander.

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If we really want to reduce beach drownings, more research needs to be done to determine the most effective ways to educate people about rip currents, writes Rob Brander.

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UNSW's 'Dr Rip', Associate Professor Rob Brander, is appearing in a new documentary airing this summer to help teach Australians how to avoid dangerous rips.

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UNSW Science Honours student Nicky Wharton found that reality TV show Bondi Rescue performs a valuable role in teaching the world about the dangers of rip currents and the importance of swimming between the flags.

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Rip currents claim more lives in Australia on average each year than bushfires, floods, cyclones and sharks combined, UNSW research shows.