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The Pull of a Rip
Rip currents are hard to understand unless you’ve experienced one. This activity helps you get your head around them.
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15 minutes
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Optional: display equipment
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Optional: printer
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Float
People can struggle to understand the force of a rip current unless they’ve had the unfortunate experience of ending up in one. Through a personal account and physical demonstration, this activity aims to enlighten students, while teaching them essential lifesaving information about what to do if caught in a rip current.
Guidance notes
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Download PDF 2.9MB
Workshop resources
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Download PDF 8.1MB
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Download PDF 3.4MB
The physical demonstration of this activity requires space, so a clear classroom or sports hall offers the best environment to deliver this activity.
Ask students if any of them have heard of – or experienced – a rip current, before using the presentation to explain them.
The takeaway message is that the best way to avoid rips is to choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags – which have been marked based on where is safer to swim in the present conditions.
For more information on rip currents, visit our rips safety page.
Curriculum links
England
- KS3, PE, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
- RSHE, Basic First Aid
- PSHE Health and Wellbeing
Northern Ireland
- KS3, Learning for Life and Work, Personal Development
Republic of Ireland
- SPHE, Making Healthy Choices
Scotland
- Third and Forth Level, Health and Wellbeing (HWB)
Wales
- Health and well-being
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