She said if you got caught in a rip, remember the three Rs:Relax and float to conserve energy. The calm gap may look safe to swim in, but a small patch of calm water in the surf or waves is often a rip current. If caught in a rip: stay calm, float, and signal for help – don’t try to swim directly back to shore against the current. The rip current will not pull you under the water and is just taking you for a ride offshore. The rip current will not pull you under the water and is just taking you for a ride offshore.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 25, 2025 18:22 UTC