Steve Wills, Beach Safety Manager, comments: Only a trained eye can see a rip current (experienced surfers actually use them to get out past waves) and normally only from high up, such as a cliff top. As we mentioned in the last issue, it is always best not to fight your way through the current but go with it and then round it. This can have its own hazards, as described here. Mr Rutter did the right thing in grabbing the lilo for support. Another key tip is to ask someone else to get help before entering the water yourself.

Ideally, only go in if you're trained. Learning to swim is a priority..