Swimming

[boatman61]

LOL.... Dockhead... the consolation there is... depending on the timing one KNOWS that in 6hrs or less max you'll be heading back in....

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

If I had followed the advice above, I am pretty sure I would be dead.

The advice above was about dealing with a rip current, sometimes called a "rid tide." That's an entirely different situation that you were in when you fell overboard.

Rip currents are always, by definition, running off a beach.

[Cheechako]

Two things I learned freediving daily and swimming in tropical waters: #1 Even if you're a strong swimmer, never fight a rip current...go with the flow angling toward shore. and #2: the sharks come out in late afternoon...maybe 3:30 and later.

[capn_billl]

Originally Posted by avb3

I can only repeat... don't fight the current. I agree that once it dissipates, your strategy of swimming at an angle is the best one if no one can assist.

Wikipedia's entry on how to deal with a rip tide actually discusses exactly this technique, and also the necessity not to fight the current. Go to the bottom of the article to the headline reading, "Escaping a rip current".

It is very possible that the angle I swam actually took me across the current before I exited it. A cooler head and a good look at the wave patterns and signs of current flow may have got me back to shore with a whole lot less sweat and tears. :headsmack:

[capn_billl]

A second headsmack, familiarise yourself with local knowledge including location of sandbars and shoals, (control locations of riptides), and any dangerous obstacles and currents, and tide tables before swimming offshore.