A rip current – dòng chảy xa bờ – is a stream of water moving from near the shore out into the open sea. It does not necessarily "pull you under". The main danger is that it drags swimmers far out, causing them to panic and become exhausted as they attempt to fight the current.
Prevention is better than visual identification
Many images online teach that: “A calm patch of water between two breaking waves is definitely a rip current.” That can only be an indicator, not an absolute method of identification. Currents can be difficult to spot. Therefore, your order of priority should be:
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Designated, authorized beaches.
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Areas with active lifeguards.
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Warning flags and signs.
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Instructions from on-site beach staff.
In 2026, Quang Ninh mandates that beach swimming is only permitted in qualified zones and prohibits swimming at high-risk, unauthorized spots.
If you are suddenly pulled out to sea
First and foremost: do not fight the current with brute force. NOAA advises:
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Stay calm.
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Conserve your energy.
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Focus on floating.
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Call for help.
If you are a capable swimmer, swim parallel to the shore to escape the channel of the current, then head diagonally back toward land.
If you are not a strong swimmer
Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your ability. Instead:
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Stay afloat.
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Wave your arms.
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Shout loudly for help.
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Wait for rescue.
If you see someone being swept away
Do not instinctively plunge into the water unless you are a trained rescuer. NOAA highlights that many people drown while attempting to rescue others. Instead:
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Alert the lifeguards.
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Point clearly to the victim's location.
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If a lifebuoy or flotation device is available and conditions allow, pass or throw it to the person.
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Do not turn yourself into a second victim.
Children
Never base your safety precautions on the phrase: “My child already knows how to swim.” The ocean is completely different from a swimming pool. Children require direct supervision and must strictly remain within authorized swimming areas.
When Co To temporarily suspends swimming activities
If local authorities announce a ban on beach activities due to storms or rough seas, do not search on your own for another beach deemed “more sheltered from the wind.”
Quick checklist
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Swim only at authorized beaches.
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Ask lifeguards about sea conditions.
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Never swim alone.
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Caught in a current → do not swim straight against it.
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Stay afloat and call for help.
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If you have the stamina → swim parallel to the shore.
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Do not dive in to rescue without proper skills.
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Red flag / warning flag = stay out of the water.
