[vbmoneyspender]

When caught in a rip tide do not attempt to swim against it. Swim 50 yards parallel to the shore and try to come in again. Rip tides are strong but most often

You shouldn't even attempt to swim - particularly if you are not a good swimmer. The worst thing you can do when you are in the ocean is tire yourself out. You do that and you drown. In these situations, its generally best to just float. As you float, you'll get pushed back towards shore. And if you don't get pushed back in, you'll certainly increase your chances of getting rescued.

[I see my hands]

That's wrong and dangerous advice.

[piytar]

Really? I thought a rip tide could pull you quite a ways out if you don’t get clar of it, too far for an average swimmer to make it back it. Then again, I am (in all modesty) a very strong swimmer - scuba, snorkle, free swim, any - so maybe my experience above should not be used as an example of what to do.