This paper details the results of a pilot study that surveyed people who have been caught in a rip current and survived. It is the first study to quantitatively assess the knowledge and responses of people who have actually experienced the rip current hazard. The research sample was an informed group. The majority were predominantly good swimmers, frequent ocean swimmers and were competent at visually identifying rip currents. While this informed cohort potentially presents a biased sample, it exposes an intriguing outcome. Despite their experience and knowledge, these informed respondents still got caught in rip currents and panicked.