So don t dunk a person s head under the water and don t dive-bomb people. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, never swim while under the influence of drink or drugs. It might seem like a good idea at the time, but your judgement and swimming ability can be greatly impaired. When swimming in the sea, it is vitally important that you understand the role of currents. A lateral current runs parallel to the shore, and the danger when swimming in one of these is that you may get dragged into a rip current.
Rip currents are strong flows of water returning to the sea.
If you are unable to do this, then swim parallel to the shore for a while, and then try the forty-five degree angle. If this fails, wave and call for help. Backwash and shore break can be dangerous for youngsters near the waters edge. Backwash is the return of the water from the shore to the sea, and can be strong enough to drag a small person back into the sea. Shore break is even more dangerous, and is where a large wave breaks on the shore.