I was body surfing and went from waist deep water to well over my 6'5" frame in a second or two. Even though I can swim, it was quite unsettling to feel myself being pulled out and rather quickly. I simply went into float mode on my back. I still went further out but started to drift parallel to the short for about 30-40 yards and then BAM...It was like the Ocean said...GET OUTTA HERE!! I felt like I was being pushed to the shore. I have always thought knowing how to simply float is as important as swimming when it comes to currents. The being taught in schools part........When very young, I had a PE Teacher who told us all about A. LEARNING to swim and float / tread water and B.. What to do in rip currents. He told us all something I told my own boys. Those currents pull a lot of people out but nobody has EVER washed up on an African shore. IT WILL push you back. Just do NOT panic.
LOLOL I was glad I got caught when I did. Before Lifeguard season! More than drowning, I was more concerned about making a scene. When I made it back to shore, I did the guy thing and made sure nobody saw! LOL