A rip current is like a river inside the sea, pulling water away from the beach. If you feel pulled out, do not swim straight back to shore — you'll get exhausted.
If you see someone struggling in water, your first instinct is to jump in and save them. Don't. They might pull you under without meaning to.
Hold something out — a stick, a towel, a pool noodle, your hand if they're really close. Lie on your tummy so they can't pull you in.
Throw something that floats — a life ring, a rope, a ball, an empty plastic bottle.
Don't jump in unless an adult tells you to. Run get an adult now.
If you ever fall in and can't touch the bottom: float on your back. Tilt your head back so your ears are in the water. Spread your arms out. Breathe slowly. You can stay up that way for a long time, even fully clothed.
Practising "starfish floating" in a pool is the most boring-looking superpower — and one of the most useful.
If something goes wrong in the water, the person on the shore needs to see you. Most pool and beach water is blue or green — and most people wear dark or pale swimwear that disappears against it.
Pick something loud: bright orange, hot pink, neon yellow. The brighter the better. It's not about looking fancy — it's about being easy to spot from a long way off.
A bright rash-vest sleeve, a coloured swim cap, or even a neon hairband will do. Lifeguards still need to be looking — but bright colours give them a fighting chance.
Water isn't trying to hurt you. It's just there, doing what water does. Your job is to know its moods and respect them.
Always with a grown-up. Reach, throw, don't go. And float when in doubt.