Rip Current Rescue
America’s First Feature-Length Rip Current Documentary
Rip Current Rescue marked a major leap forward—a bold, feature-length documentary that brought rip current education to a national scale in the United States. Broadcast on PBS and supported by major safety and rescue organizations, this was the first time a full-length film tackled the rip current crisis across the diverse American coastline.
From the pounding surf of California to the calm-looking but dangerous shores of the Great Lakes, Rip Current Rescue takes viewers on a gripping, state-by-state journey. The film explores real rescues, tragic losses, and inspiring stories of survival, all while revealing the science that explains why rip currents are so deadly—and what can be done to stay safe.
At its heart is the continued presence of Professor Rob Brander, whose work threads through each documentary in this growing series. Viewers also hear directly from lifeguards, first responders, scientists, and survivors. And it showcases the collaborative work of NOAA, California State Parks, the United States Lifesaving Association, and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, all uniting in a shared mission to save lives.
With its emotional depth and practical knowledge, Rip Current Rescue is not just a documentary—it’s a national safety resource and a wake-up call to millions of beachgoers across the U.S.
