If a dive team is caught in a rip current taking them in an unwanted direction, what should they do?

When a dive team is caught in a rip current, the most effective response is to swim at a right angle to the current. This technique leverages an understanding of how rip currents work; they typically flow away from the shore in a narrow, concentrated path. By swimming perpendicular to the direction of the current, divers can escape the stronger flow and work their way back to safety without exhausting themselves.

This approach is crucial because swimming directly back to shore or against the current can be counterproductive. Attempting to fight the current by swimming straight into it often leads to fatigue, making the situation more dangerous. Alternatively, floating and waiting for help may not be advisable in the turbulent waters of a rip current, where staying in one place could impair a diver's ability to return safely to shore. Therefore, swimming at a right angle offers a strategic way to exit the current and increases the chances of getting back to safety without succumbing to exhaustion.