While a swimming pool is a still body of water, the ocean isn’t. Part of its unpredictability are its currents and rips, which are not always visible before entering the water. Some beaches are more prone to dangerous currents and rough conditions than others (think surf beaches such Gunnamatta versus the city’s bay beaches) and it pays to have an understanding of the possible dangers present before swimming. Even someone who is a strong swimmer in the pool can struggle in a rip if they don’t know how to handle it, so it’s a good idea to not only know how to spot rips at a beach – but also what to do if you become stuck in one you didn’t see.
