Will you be ok in a rip current if you have fins and a snorkel.?

Question

I am an okay swimmer but I've gone snorkelling a few times and can stay in the water for hours with fins and a snorkel. I have a strong kick with fins. I've only heard about rip currents on TV but should I be concerned even if I'm wearing fins and a snorkel or will I be alright?

Answer 1

as long as you don't panic and keep your cool

if all else fails,  float on your back

thats what saved my life

Answer 2

If I remember correctly, the best thing to do in a riptide is to swim parallel to the shore until you get away from the current.  Then you can swim back to shore.

Here's an article about it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_current

Answer 3

Even the BEST swimmers can be overwhelmed by a strong rip. You need to swim along the shore until you get out, but by the time you do you may be a quarter mile out!