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‘Backpackers’ Rip’ - also known as the ‘Backpackers’ Express’ - is one of several rip currents at Bondi. Its name reflects its proximity to backpackers’ hostels at the south end of the beach and the many tourists who get swept away in it each year.

A ‘rip current’, or ‘rip’, is a strong and narrow current of water which flows away from the shore. Rips often appear as dark-coloured, relatively calm channels between white breaking waves. To the untrained eye they can look like the safest place to swim. Rip currents are so strong that even Olympic swimmers cannot swim against them.

While the north end of Bondi Beach is rated gentle and ideal for bathing, the south end is more dangerous because it is more exposed to the wider ocean. It is generally reserved for surfing.

Bondi has two permanent rips: South End (or South Corner) Rip and North End (or North Corner) Rip. Movable rips sometimes appear between them. Tower Rip is in the middle of the beach near the lifeguard tower. Backpackers’ Rip is further south.

The positions of the movable rips change depending on weather or surf conditions. Backpackers’ Rip is also close to the southern bus stop and many visitors who do not walk to the safer, north end of the beach often get caught in the rip.

Over the years, incidents have included dozens of people being dragged out to sea on Backpackers’ Rip, resulting in mass rescues. Bondi lifeguards say the rips are not the biggest issue; it is the ignorance of tourists and unknowing locals failing to understand or listen to lifeguard warnings.

Their advice if caught in a rip is: do not panic, stay calm and raise an arm to seek help. If no-one is around, float with the rip and it will most likely bring you back to shore. Otherwise, swim parallel to the beach towards the breaking waves and use those waves to get back to shore.

Swimmers should remember to stay away from rips and always swim at a patrolled beach between red and yellow flags.