Smaller whirlpools are generally either currents that can peter out and allow you to escape, or part of water systems that can dash you into rocks and knock you out, or something that can take you into an underwater sinkhole and drown you. But in any case, DO NOT underestimate the force of water.

If you are caught in a whirlpool, the most critical rule is to remain calm and avoid panicking, as hyperventilation will lead to rapid exhaustion. Instead of swimming directly against the vortex—which is a losing battle—you should swim parallel to the edge of the whirlpool to escape the pull of the center. If you are pulled under, experts recommend that you ball up and stay down; the downward current of a whirlpool is often strongest at the surface and dissipates as the water spreads out at the bottom. Once you feel the downward pressure decrease, you can swim sideways away from the center and then kick back toward the surface. In 2026, safety instructors also emphasize the importance of wearing a high-buoyancy life vest when in turbulent waters, as it provides the necessary lift to keep your head above the chaotic surface.