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On the swimming strategies to escape a rip current: a mathematical approach

Author

Listed:
  • Archie Withers

    (University of Southampton)

  • Sergio Maldonado

    (University of Southampton)

Abstract

Rip currents represent significant hazards to swimmers all around the world. The danger arises when a misinformed swimmer uses an inadequate strategy to escape the rip, such as fighting the current directly. This can lead to fatigue, panic, and in some cases drowning. There exists a range of strategies put forward by experts (both lifeguards and scientists) to escape rip currents. However, these recommendations are based on a limited number of scientific studies and there is still much discrepancy surrounding the best strategy to escape a rip. Thus, here we present a simple, physics-based theoretical model aimed at assessing different escape strategies in terms of their associated ‘energetic cost’ (in work and power) for any given rip current and swimmer’s proficiency level. Many combinations of swimmers and rips are considered, including both idealised and a realistic rip current. Our quantitative results back the common knowledge that swimming against the rip (which is strongly discouraged by lifeguards) is almost universally the worst possible strategy, especially when compared against strategies favoured by experts, such as floating with the current before attempting to swim back to the shore. For a realistic rip, our results suggest that swimming directly against the rip can require several times more power from the swimmer than other strategies advised by lifeguards, thus lending further scientific support to experts’ recommendations. This study may help promote education around the dangers posed by rip currents and how best to address them.

Suggested Citation

  • Archie Withers & Sergio Maldonado, 2021. "On the swimming strategies to escape a rip current: a mathematical approach," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 108(2), pages 1449-1467, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:108:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s11069-021-04740-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-021-04740-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bruno Castelle & R. McCarroll & Robert Brander & Timothy Scott & Benjamin Dubarbier, 2016. "Modelling the alongshore variability of optimum rip current escape strategies on a multiple rip-channelled beach," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 81(1), pages 663-686, March.
    2. R. McCarroll & Robert Brander & Jamie MacMahan & Ian Turner & Ad Reniers & Jenna Brown & Anthony Bradstreet & Shauna Sherker, 2014. "Evaluation of swimmer-based rip current escape strategies," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 71(3), pages 1821-1846, April.
    3. Bruno Castelle & R. Jak McCarroll & Robert W. Brander & Timothy Scott & Benjamin Dubarbier, 2016. "Modelling the alongshore variability of optimum rip current escape strategies on a multiple rip-channelled beach," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 81(1), pages 663-686, March.
    4. M. Miloshis & W. Stephenson, 2011. "Rip current escape strategies: lessons for swimmers and coastal rescue authorities," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 59(2), pages 823-832, November.
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